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ENSIGN MERRILL 


BY 

/ 

LIEUT. LIONEL LOUNSBERRY 

AUTHOR OF 

“Cadet Kit Carey,” “Lieut. Carey’s Luck,” “Kit Carey’s Protege,* 
“Midshipman Merrill,” etc. 



NEW YORK 

STREET & SMITH, Publishers 

238 William Streei’ 



40877 

Entered according to act of Congress in the years 1893 and 1899, 
By Street & Smith, 

In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 

BECtlVfei 






ENSIGN MERRILL. 


CHAPTER I. 

A SECRET COMPANY. 

“I AM afraid, Bevins, he will be too young for such 
an important and dangerous expedition.” 

‘‘lut! tut! Rollins; why, I would rather trust him 
than any older man in my circle of acquaintances. 
D’ye see, you haven’t known Mark as long as I have, 
nor had the opportunity of judging his bravery and 
common sense. Why, there is that affair of the 3'acht 

ill ” 

“Yes — yes, I know all about it, j-ou soft-hearted old 
fool. This is about the six hundredth time j’ou have 
tried to spring that story,” and the speaker, a portly, 
benevolent gentleman, with flowing gray hair and 
generous paunch, waved a deprecatory hand across the 
table at the other, at the same time chuckling slowly 
and heavil3' as is the wont of middle-aged and prosper- 
ous personages when highly pleased. 

“Humph! Well, it’s worth being handed down to 
posterity along with other heroic achievements, any 
Avay, ” retorted the one addressed as Bevins, a man not 
quite so well favored in flesh as the other, but possess- 
ing an equally benevolent countenance, and almost of 
the same number of 3'ears. . • . 

The two were seated in a sumptuously furnished 


6 


A SEGUET COMPANY. 


office, with the usual array of mahogany desks and ap- 
propriate furniture, but the broad, well-lighted room 
contained here and there various articles which stamped 
it as out of the common. A couple of quaint porcelain 
jars over in one corner bearing curious-looking flowers, 
a handy teaset occupying the top of a delicate lanquered 
table close to the principal desk and evidentl}” in recent 
use, an utter absence of the harsh hubbub of grating 
cart-wheels and the coarse jests of draymen, all pro- 
claimed that this repository of business was not of our 
country. To make it more apparent, a suave, yellow- 
looking CelestiaLjDccupied a porter’s chair near the 
door, silent and impassive. 

Through a large open window, shaded by subdued 
striped awnings, a glimpse of a broad, well-paved 
street, leading down to where the shimmer of water 
was apparent, could be obtained. The road was well 
peopled, even thronged, but not by those one is accus- 
tomed to meet at home. 

More Chinamen with easy flowing garments and 
comical hats; Mongolians of every size and condition, 
with a leavening here and there of American or Eng- 
lish figures, clad in white linen, and all with the in- 
evitable pungaree and light umbrella. There were 
queer-looking vehicles, too. Jinrickshaws and sedan 
chairs, each with its attendant carriers waiting for a 
chance fare. A steady stream of quaint-looking people 
— quaint in America, but not here, for this is the for- 
eign “bund” of Shanghai, China; the few modest 
acres reluctantly given over by the government for com- 
mercial houses owned by those from countries beyond 
the sea. 

One of the greatest, in fact the largest and most im- 
portant, of these business houses is the one to which the 
reader is introduced — the American firm of Bevins Sc 


A SECRET COMPANY. 


7 


Rollins, tea dealers and general exporters. It is the 
genial members of the company who now occupy seats 
in their palatial office, and the subject before them is 
of weighty import. 

After the little controversy" chronicled above they sat 
without speaking for a moment, and, from the occa- 
sional glances directed toward the entrance, they were 
evidently expecting some one. At last Mr. Rollins, or 
General Rollins as he was familiarly known among 
his friends, touched a little bell on the desk. In 
prompt obedience to the silvery tinkle, the Chinese 
porter stood before him, and, with a profound obeisance 
reaching to the floor, awaited his commands. 

‘‘Ah Foy, run down to the landing and see if any 
boats have left the man-of-war. If you meet a naval 
officer from the Trenton just give him my compliments, 
and ask if Ensign Merrill has come ashore yet. Now, 
hurry up, and return as soon as you obtain the informa- 
tion.” 

The porter had barely reached the door, when it 
opened to give ingress to three middle-aged gentlemen, 
whose apparel and general appearance denoted them as 
belonging to the circle of foreign merchants doing busi- 
ness in the bund. 

General Rollins and his partner greeted them cor- 
dially, and the entire party seated themselves in the 
luxurious easy-chairs. After ordering a servant to 
brew a pot of tea — an indispensable ceremony at all 
such meetings — Mr. Bevins fumbled over some papers 
in his desk, and said : 

“Gentlemen: I am glad to see that you have so 
promptly obeyed our request for an informal interview 
on a subject very important to all of us. We five, I 
think, represent the majority of the business houses of 
this bund, and each of us own and control quite a vast 


8 


A SKCHET COMPANY. 


fleet of ships trading with all parts of the world. For 
our part, as ^^ou know, we carry over a score, including 
chartered bottoms.” 

He paused as if to allow those present ample time to 
grasp the magnitude of wealth possessed by the firm of 
Bevins & Rollins. His partner, the general, leaned 
forward in his chair, and smiled the complacent smile 
of prosperity, an expression reflected by all of the well- 
to-do group. 

‘‘Now, for many years we have been a community 
long suffering under a most annoying scourge,” con- 
tinued the speaker, warming to his subject. Rising to 
his feet, he impressively elevated one arm, and added: 
'‘Need I name it?” 

“Pirates!” squeaked a little old man near the win- 
dow, M. Benoit, a French merchant. At the word, the 
faces of all clouded over, and the}^ repeated the expres- 
sion with bitter emphasis. Grasping a handful of 
documents from a convenient pigeon-hole. General Rol 
lins waved them in the air, and shouted . 

“Yes, pirates; thieves; miserable yellow-skinned 
scoundrels that lie in y, ait for our inoffensive ships among 
the islands off the coast, and loot them. Here is the 
case of the Emma Boyd, and the Ocean Foam, and the 
Betsy Bevins, apd the— and the—” The old gentle- 
man choked and sat down abruptly. 

“Then there was that affair of only last month, when 
our sailing vessel Stork was captured and burned after 
being robbed,” spoke up a gentleman named Stubbs, 
representative of an English Arm. We laid complaint 
before the Minister here, and also notified the Chinese 
government, but what good did it do? The frigate 
Trenton, of the American Navy, and our man-of-war 
Diadem searched for them a couple of weeks, and 
then had to return here on account of native troubles.” 


A !^EGRET COMPANY. 


9 


"‘It is utterly preposterous to depend upon such 
help,” said Mr. Bevins, striding up and down the floor. 
“ What' we will have to do is to help ourselves. Now, 
I have reason to believe that these pirates are ^yorking 
under a thorough system, and their leader is a foreigner. 
He is certainly shrewd enough to fool all the forces sent 
against him. They prey on our vessels, you know, 
almost anywhere in the Yellow Sea, but they undoubt- 
edly have a rendezvous on one of the numerous islands 
north of Formosa, possibly in the Chun Ki group. 

“Now, the general and I have talked it over, and 
have hit upon a scheme which we wish to submit to 
you — that is why we have called this meeting. There 
is one thing certain, this continued series of outrages is 
slowly and surely ruining our business. Why, it is 
intolerable, simply intolerable! This gang of pirates 
must be wiped out.” 

“Hear, hear!” chorused his audience. 

“As I said before,” continued Mr. Bevins, “we 
must depend upon ourselves. Now, what we propose 
is to form a private and secret company, consisting of 
those persons present, and equip a small but powerful 
vessel to exterminate the scoundrels.” 

The old gentleman had spoken slowly and with em- 
phasis, and his words created a decided sensation. The 
three members of outside firms stared at him for a mo- 
ment, then, rising to their feet, clapped him and the 
general on their backs with a force more hearty than 
pleasant. It was evident they were favorably im- 
pressed with the idea. One, who had hitherto re- 
mained silent, now asked several pertinent questions. 
Taking a pencil from the desk, he said : 

“Now, Mr. Bevins, you have no doubt looked into 
the matter for some time. Just give me an idea as to 
the cost, with other details, please.” 


10 


MARK MERRILL AS A MIDSHIPMAN. 


“I confess I have been making inquiries,” replied 
that gentleman, then referring to a notebook taken 
from his pocket, continued: ‘*I have figured that we 
can purchase, arm, and equip a steamer sufficient for 
our purpose for five hundred thousand dollars, which 
includes salaries and all expenses for three, months. I 
have also ascertained that we can secure a vessel imme- 
diately. In fact, it is in the outer harbor now. It will 
require at least a month to bring the cannon and other 
munitions of war from the United States, but I think I 
can promise to have our cruiser at sea within five weeks 
at the most.” 

“Now, another important question, Mr. Bevins,” ex- 
claimed his questioner. “Who can w’e find with 
knowledge and bravery enough to command the expe- 
dition?” 

At that moment a noise sounded at the door^ and a 
lithe, well-built young man, clad in the neat undress 
uniform of a naval officer, stepped into the office with a 
cheery “good-morning” to those present. 

Striding over to the newcomer, Mr. Bevins grasped 
him by the hand, and, leading him forward, said 
simply: 

“This is the man, gentlemen; Ensign Mark Merrill, 
of the American Navy!” 


CHAPTER II. 

MARK MERRILL AS A MIDSHIPMAN. 

At the announcement, made in such a dramatic man- 
ner, those present in the office glanced at each other in 
astonishment. The handsome young officer himself 
seemed rather bewildered, and gave Mr. Bevins an in- 


MARK MERRILL AS A MIDSHIPMAN, 11 

quiricg look. That worthy chuckled quietly and re- 
peated his words, at the same time linking his arm in 
the ensign’s in a fatherly manner. 

‘‘This is the man, gentlemen; Mark Merrill, at your 
service. I have had him in mind ever since we 
thought of the plan, and, if any one can carry it to a 
successful ending, he can. You are all more or less 
acquainted witli him and his record; but, if it wasn’t 
that I respect his modesty I’d give you several in- 
stances showing the bravery and courage of the young 
gentleman. I think I’ll mention one— that affair of 
the yacht which ” 

He was interrupted by a loud cough from the general 
who, with a broad smile on his face, stood pointing at 
the ensign. Mark’s countenance was flushed in a 
painful manner, and it was easy to see that he wished 
to be spared the recital. Thus choked off from what 
seemed to be a favorite topic, Mr. Bevins sat down, 
leaving tlm subject to his partner. 

“Now, gentlemen, I wish to say that I quite agree 
with Bevins,” commenced Mr. Rollins. “I think we 
could not select a better commander than Merrill, and, 
although he will appear rather young for such an im- 
portant position, his past record warrants the confi- 
dence. But, by the way, we haven’t even mentioned 
the affair to him, and he is as yet entirely ignorant 
of it.” 

Turning to Mark, the general briefly outlined the 
object of the meeting, and, encouraged by the expres- 
sions of approval on the faces of the three merchants, 
formally offered him the command of what he called 
“The Protective Navy of Shanghai.” 

“Now, I know this is a surprise and altogether unex- 
pected,” he added, placing his hand on Mark’s shoulder 
in a kindly manner.-^ “But I want you to give it im- 


12 MARK MERRILL AS A MIDSHIPMAN. 

mediate and serious attention. And, furthermore, 
regard the affair as one in which you will confer a 
great favor upon us by accepting.” 

For several moments the young ensign was abso- 
lutely unable to reply. His manlj" face glowed with 
pleasure at the prospect outlined before him — the pros- 
pect of glory and fame; of active service in hivS chosen 
]irofession; of chances for unlimited adventures, and 
last, but not least;, he felt overwhelmed with pride that 
he, a simple junior oflicer in the navy, a young man 
hardly past his teens, should be selected to command 
such an expedition — one in which would be invested a 
half-million of dollars, and of much importance aside 
from its monetary point of view. 

The affair was entirely unexpected. He had come 
ashore from the flagship Trenton, on which he was 
serving as junior deck officer, at the invitation of Mr. 
Bevins, an old friend of his family, and one who had 
known him during his career at the Naval Academy. 

As a midshipman, Mark had gone through many 
trials. His path of learning at Annapolis was not one 
entirely of roses, and, coming as he did, a simple fisher 
lad from a seacoast hamlet in Maine, he had to con- 
tend with ridicule and the machinations of a malicious 
foe. 

To the old readers, who followed him in his trials 
and triumphs, while a cadet, and shared with the 
modest, unassuming lad the successes won in fearless 
si rife for a place in his country’s service, little need be 
said. But for the benefit of our later friends, a shoH 
revision will be given. 

Until his thirteenth year young Merrill had known 
no other home than a strange old mansion near the vil- 
lage on the New England coast. There he lived alone 
with his mother, a sweet-faced, gentle W'oman, laboring 


MARK MERRILL A8 A MIDSHIPMAN. 1 J 

under some secret sorrow, and an old servant named 
Betsy. There was some mystery connected with the 
little family, and they were allowed to remain undis- 
turbed by the rough but kindhearted fisher folk who 
saw in Mrs. Merrill one superior to their class. 

Mark spent much of his time along the shore, and 
developed a passionate fondness for the sea. As he grew 
older, he w ith the aid of a small sailing sloop, started 
a modest trading business between the adjacent ham- 
lets, bringing in enough money to support the family. 

One day, during a severe storm, a yacht sailed into 
the little bay in search of shelter. There was only one 
safe anchorage in the harbor, and it was evident from 
her actions that those on boai’d were ignorant of it. 
Mark, from a position on a bold, rocky headland, had 
observed their peril, and, regardless of self, sprang into 
the raging sea, swam out to the endangered craft and 
piloted them into safety. 

It transpired that the yacht w^as owned by a prom- 
inent Boston merchant, and carried as his guests the 
Secretary of the Navy and Admiral Lucien. In grati- 
tude for the great services thus rendered by young Mer- 
rill, the secretary used his infiuence and entered the lad 
at the Naval Academy. 

There lived in the village at that time a wealthy 
man named Clemmons, whose only son, a vicious, self- 
willed boy, grew to hate Mark for various reasons. It 
happened, unfortunately, that Clemmons gained an ap- 
pointment at the naval school in the same term as Mer- 
rill, and, thus thrown together in the constant inter- 
course of the academy, they naturally became rivals for 
class honors. 

Having been thoroughly tutored by his mother, a 
well-read and highly -educated lady, and devoting him- 
self to his studies, Mark easily defeated Scott Clemmons 


14 


MARK MERRILL AS A MIDSHIPMAN. 


in every case, winning the graduating prize over all. 
This made the rich man’s son more bitter in his unde- 
served hatred, and he descended to many underhand 
means to defeat his rival, even trying to fasten the 
suspicion of a theft on Mark. 

Through the shrewdness of Merrill’s friend, a young 
cadet named Bemis Perry, Scott was finally forced to 
resign from the academy, and the former saw nothing 
further of him until several years after, when, in lead- 
ing a party ashore in Cuba during a revolution, to 
rescue some Americans rumored as being prisoners 
under sentence of death, Mark found in one of them his 
old enemy, Scott Clemmons. The fellow offered little 
thanks for the service, and again disappeared, with his 
hatred apparently undiminished. 

Shortly after finishing his maiden cruise as a passed 
midshipman, Merrill revisited his home, where he 
learned from his mother the story of her life. She had 
married the son of a wealthy man, who did not favor 
the union and cast them off. Nothing daunted, the 
youthful husband labored for a living, and, at last, 
died, leaving his widow alone with one child. 

She moved to the coast, and, strangely enough, found 
a home in an old deserted mansion belonging to her 
step-father, this fact being unknown to her. After 
Mark had finished his course at the academy, the old 
man passed away, leaving no will. The diligent 
search of an enterprising lawyer found in the Merrill 
family the rightful owners, and they at last entered 
into the property, and assumed their proper place in 
society. Although now wealthy in his own right, 
Mark’s love for the sea made him remain in the navy, 
and he was subsequent!}" ordered to the Trenton for 
service on the Chinese station, where we find him at 
the opening of this stor}". 


MARK MERRILL AS A MIDSHIPMAN. 


15 


On receiving a message that day from his friend, Mr. 
Bevins, he had gone ashore at once, as the summons 
stated that he was wanted on very important business. 
Mark little dreamed of its nature, and when the gen- 
eral coolly told him that the merchants of Shanghai 
wished him to lead an expedition against the Chinese 
pirates of the Yellow Sea, and also that they intended 
to intrust him with the command of a man of-wai% he 
believed himself dreaming, but a sly pinch convinced 
him to the contrary. Looking from one to the other, 
a glimpse of their friendly faces reassured Mark, and 
he at last found himself able to reply. 

‘^Gentlemen, I — I hardly know what to say,” he be- 
gan, rather helplessly. “I am greatly honored by the 
confidence you place in me, but the undertaking is so 
great, and means so much, that I think you ought to 
select one with more experience. In fact, I ” 

“Nonsense!” broke in Mr. Bevins, abruptly. “You 
are the man we want, and, if we are satisfied, you 
ought to be. Now, about your chance of obtaining a 
year’s leave of absence. I think I can bring some 
pressure to bear on the admiral, and if you will make 
the application, he will no doubt indorse it.” 

“That will be an eas}" matter, sir,” replied Mark. 
“And, if you insist upon it. I’ll accept the command 
with the greatest gratitude for your kindness.” 

“Well, gentlemen,” said the general finally, “as 
that is settled, we will now adjourn to meet again at 
the same hour to-morrow for the purpose of arranging 
the details. In the meantime, Mr. Merrill can cable to 
Washington for his vacation.” 

After a few minutes’ further conversation, during 
which a contract was drawn up between the five mem- 
bers, the party dispersed to their various houses and 


THE MYSTERIOUS LETTER. 


K) 

Mark immediately took a sampan for the frigate, ac- 
companied by the general and Mr. Bevins. 

Several minutes after they left the office, the Chinese 
porter, who, during the interview, had remained ap- 
parently asleep near the door, showed signs of an un- 
wonted activity. First ascertaining that no one was in 
sight, he hastily scribbled a number of characters on a 
sheet of thin rice paper, aud, leaving the office, hast- 
ened out of sight toward the main portion of the city. 


CHAPTER III. 

THE MYSTERIOUS LETTER. 

On the following day, the party, including Mark, re- 
assembled in the office of Bevins & Rollins. After par- 
taking of the usual refresher, tea, they immediately 
proceeded to business, with the general, figuratively 
speaking, in the chair. 

‘‘Much has been done since our meeting yesterday, 
gentlemen,” he began; then referring to a list, he con- 
tinued, slowly: “Mr. Merrill has cabled to the depart- 
ment for his leave and expects the answer some time 
to-day. I have taken the responsibility of purchasing 
the Badger, as our new vessel is called. Now, all that 
remains to be done at once is to wire for cannon and 
ammunition. That I didn’t wish to do until consult- 
ing all of you.” 

“What will be necessary to arm the steamer?” asked 
]\fr. Stubbs. Then, turning to Merrill, he added: 
“Please give us your idea as to the number of guns, 
etc., required, also any other information on the sub- 
ject.” 

“Mr. Bevins and I looked over the Badger yesterday 


TUE MYSTERIOUS LETTER. 


17 


afternoon,” replied Mark; “and found it in every way 
suited for the purpose. She is a schooner-rigged 
steamer of about six hundred tons, and stanchiy built. 
It will take very little alteration to convert her into a 
’war vessel, as she has flush decks and good-sized cargo 
ports. Her speed is fifteen knots, which is fast enough. 
Noav, my opinion is that three sixty-pounder rifles, with 
a couple of Gatling guns, will be quite suflScient.” 

“Yes; that ought to be plenty,” remarked Mr. 
Stubbs reflectively. “I don’t suppose those pirates are 
as well armed. Now% how much ammunition will be 
required?” 

“Six hundred rounds for the large guns, and five 
thousand for the Gatlings,” replied Mark promptly. 
“Then we will need at least one hundred small rifles, 
as many revolvers, and the necessary cartridges.” 

“ I propose that the general order these at once by 
cable, so they can be shipped on the next steamer from 
San Francisco,” advised an American, named Wash- 
burn, the third representative from other firms, who 
had said very little, but that little invariably to the 
point. “Now, another thing, Mr. Bevins, have you 
told Merrill the latest news concerning those yellow 
scoundrels? I mean the secret information you secured 
last night.’" 

“No; by Jove! A pressure of business has caused 
me to forget it,” answered the old gentleman hastily. 
Then, turning to his desk, he drew forth from some 
hidden drawer a sheet of closely-written paper. 

“Several weeks ago, when we first contemplated or- 
ganizing an expedition against the pirates, I secured the 
services of a native detective, rather shrewd in his way, 
w^ho managed to run across one of their hiding-places. 
In this letter from him he doesn’t say how he worked it, 
but simply that he had spent several days on an island 


18 


THE MYSTERIOUS LETTER. 


not far from the coast. The fellow is rather vague in 
his description, but from what I can make out must 
mean one of the group just north of Foo Chow. He 
says there are almost a thousand members of the gang, 
and that they have three powerful junks with a num- 
ber of smaller vessels. 

“The most important part of the information is that 
he has seen the white leader, and gives a partial de- 
scription of him. He is a young man, probably not 
over twenty -one, and from his speech evidently an 
American.” 

A flutter of surprise ran through his auditors. There 
had been vague rumors that the looters were com- 
manded by a foreigner, or foreigners, but that the atro- 
cious leader was a native of the United States, and 
scarcely of age, came as a shock. The members of the 
little circle took a renewed interest in the subject. Sev- 
eral of them glanced at Mark, as if expecting him to 
speak, but the young ensign leaned back in his chair, 
and gazed thoughtfully at Mr. Bevins, while the latter, 
after enjoying the excitement he had created, con- 
tinued : 

“Furthermore, this youthful descendant of Captain 
Kidd has a lieutenant of the same nationality and of 
about the same age. The detective states that the 
forces under them are well drilled, and that a strict 
naval discipline prevail on board the junks.” 

“Have you any idea why he is not more explicit con- 
cerning the location of this island?” asked M. Benoit. 
“His information is good, but I should judge that Mr. 
Merrill would like to know where to find them.” 

“I think that part will be easy enough,” spoke up 
Mark, with a smile. “I intend to cruise under the 
guise of a peaceful merchantman, and they will soon 
scent me out.” 


THE MYSTERIOUS LETTER, 


19 


‘‘Yes; to their cost, I hope,” remarked the general 
grimly. 

“The reason given here fotftept locating their island 
more clearly,” Mr. Bevins replil® to the Frenchman’s 
question, “is that it was simply a temporary port and 
not their main stronghold, to which they intended sail- 
ing in a few days. The detective adds that he will try 
to remain with them, and write further particulars 
when they make the move.” 

“Is this information reliable beyond any doubt?” 
asked Washburn quietly. 

“Yes; I think so,” replied Mr. Bevins slowly. “I 
first heai-d of the man through our porter, who has been 
with us several years and in whom we place the great- 
est reliance. Here, I will call Ah Foy and you can 
question him yourself.” 

Touching a bell, the old gentleman signified to the 
Chinaman seated at the door that he wished to speak to 
him. The fellow obeyed promptly, and, on nearing the 
group, stood silent and attentive. He appeared very 
intelligent for his class, and, if it was not for the habit 
of glancing furtively from side to side out of his narrow 
slit-eyes, he would have impressed one as being a sim- 
ple, inoffensive Mongolian with no thought but to 
please his employers. 

Mark watched him steadily for a moment, then 
glanced carelessly out through the open window at the 
crowd surging along the broad, well-paved street. Al- 
though apparently but little interested, the short scru- 
tiny he had given Ah Foy’s countenance fixed it indel- 
ibly on his mind, and it stood him in good stead not 
long after. 

Mr. Washburn asked the porter concerning the native 
detective, and elicited the fact that he was of some 
remote relationship, and had but lately come from an 


20 


THE MYSTERIOUS LETTER. 


interior town, where he bore an excellent reputation for 
shrewdness and worth. Signifying his satisfaction at 
the answer, the merchant sent him back to his seat. 

General Rollins had in the meantime writte'i out the 
order on his American agent for the munitions of war, 
and, after the porter had been examined, declared his 
intention of carrying it personally to the office. As 
there was nothing more to be arranged immediately, 
the party left the office. Before going, however, Mark 
was given a written commission as commander of the 
proposed navy, and instructed to use his own discretion 
about engaging the necessary crew. 

It was decided in council that the force would consist 
of one hundred and fifty men, including officers. This 
was considered ample, in view of the fact that the craft 
would carry Gatlings. It was Mark’s intention to 
enlist the services of a midshipman from the Trenton, a 
tried and true friend of his. He knew the young pfficer 
would jump at the chance of serving on such an expe- 
dition. The cadet, Edward Gage, or Ned as he was 
known among his shipmates, would answer very well 
as his first lieutenant on board the Badger. The young 
ensign considered himself as acting with perfectly good 
judgment in this selection, as the boy was self-reliant 
beyond his years, and thoroughly well versed in naval 
tactics. 

After leaving the office, Mark concluded to take a 
boat and pay another visit to his new command. As 
the title crossed his mind, he smiled with a pleasure 
not unmixed with pride, and reflected on the peculiar 
promotion falling to his lot that day. 

“By Jove!” he mused, settling himself on the cush- 
ioned seats of the native sampan in preparation for a 
comfortable sail to the distant steamer. “It is not 
every fellow that is lucky enough to go to sleep an ordi- 


THE MY&TERT0U8 LETTER. 21 

nary ensign among other ensigns, and awake the next 
morning a full-fledged commander. Mr. Bevins and 
the rest have shown a confidence in my judgment which 
shall not be misplaced if it costs me my life. I think 
that with my cruiser and a crew of well-drilled men I 
can sweep the seas of those pirates, even if they are led 
by a ” 

He was suddenly interrupted by a loud hail from the 
Trenton, which the sampan was passing at the time. 
An officer standing on the bridge beckoned him to come 
on board, at the same time shouting through a trumpet 
that the executive officer wished to see him. Ordering 
his boatman to pull alongside, Mark climbed up the 
gangway ladder, and, touching his cap to an elderly 
officer on the quarter-deck, awaited his pleasure. 

‘‘I only wished to inform you, Mr. Merrill, that a 
cablegram has been received from Washington grant- 
ing you leave of absence for one year from date,’’ said 
the lieutenant-commander, then he added with a smile: 
“I thought you would be anxious to hear of it as soon 
as possible.” 

“Thank you very much, sir,” replied the young 
ensign, reddening slightl}^ under the other’s quizzical 
gaze. “I confess it is good news to me. With your 
permission I’ll see the admiral and report myself for 
written orders to that effect.” 

Turning away, he started tow^ard the after cabin, but 
was recalled by the executive officer, who handed him 
an envelope with the remark that it had been brought 
aboard an hour previous. 

Breaking the seal, Mark glanced hastily over the con- 
tents, then, with an exclamation of wonder, sprang into 
the sampan alongside, and ordered the native to pull 
him ashore as quickly as possible. 


22 


AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER. 


CHAPTER IV. 

AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER. 

There was good cause for Mark’s expression of sur- 
prise on reading the letter handed him by the executive 
officer of the Trenton. He had thought it an invitation 
to some social affair ashore, but one glance at the con- 
tents dispelled that idea, and, hardly waiting to finish 
it, he hastily entered the sampan, still secured to the 
gangway. 

Holding up a Mexican dollar, a coin current in 
China, ho promised it to the boatman if he would put 
him on the beach at his utmost speed, then again draw- 
ing the note from its envelope, reread the message more 
carefully. There was no date mentioned, and the ad- 
dress was simply: “Mark Merrill, U. S. N. Flagship 
Trenton.” The contents were as follows. 

“If j^'ou value your life, you will refuse to entertain 
the hare-brained scheme of the Shanghai merchants. I 
know fully the preparations made to wage war against 
the pirates, and I solemnly warn you that it will fail 
miserably, and all those foolish enough to participate ' 
will perish by torture. Knowing you as a brave man, 
and as such possibly not to be deterred by personal 
danger, I will even reason with you and show that an 
expedition like the one contemplated has not the slight- 
est chance for success. We can bring ten vessels for 
every one sent against us, and a hundred men to each of 
your force. We have a stronghold as impregnable as 
Gibraltar, and means to defend it unknown to your 
tactics of warfare. Again I say, do not sacrifice your 
honorable position in the American Navy, where | ro- 
motion is sure, if slow, to enter upon what will surely 
end in defeat and an ignominious death. 

“(Signed) 


Friend.” 


J I 

AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER. 23 

“It is certainly explicit enough,” mused Mark, as he 
finished it for the second time. “This ‘friend’ as he 
calls himself, doesn’t mince words by any means, and, I 
must say, his language is both forcible and elegant. 
But I am afraid he has wasted paper and ink in this 
case.” 

The determined gleam in his eyes as he muttered the 
last sentence spoke volumes. 

Sitting back in the stern-sheets of the native boat, 
Mark gazed thoughtfully for a while at the sheet of 
paper. He noticed the easy flowing stj le of penman- 
ship and a certain peculiar manner of writing the cap- 
itals which seemed strongly familiar to him, but where 
he had seen it was beyond his knowledge at the 
moment. 

So preoccupied was he that the boat glided up along- 
side the landing dock without his being aware of it, 
and the “sampanese” had to touch him op the shoulder 
to make the announcement. Paying the man, Merrill 
w^alked hastily up the main street to Bevins & Rollins’ 
office. 

Ah Foy opened the door, and, in answer to his in- 
quiry, stated that both members of the firm were in the 
private room. On entering, Mark was greeted with a 
cheery “hello, commodore,” from the general, and a 
cordial invitation to make himself at home. Taking a 
chair near the door, Mark carelessly tossed the letter 
over to Bevins. 

“Here is a little document I received a few minutes 
ago, gentlemen,” he said, with a smile. “It is quite 
interesting in its way, and may afford you some amuse- 
ment.” 

The old gentleman picked it up and read the first few 
lines, then with an expression of surprise uttered a short 
and emphatic word not known to polite society. Mark 


24 


AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER. 


then told him to finish it before making any remarks. 
He did so, and then silently handed it to the general. 
The latter scanned it rapidly, and after mastering the 
contents glanced from one to the other with a troubled 
look on his face. 

“This is rather serious, Merrill,” he said. “They 
are certainly well informed as to our movements.” 

“Yes,” broke in Mr. Bevins. “There is a traitor 
somewhere, and right in our family circle, as it were. 
If this business is carried on we will have to be ex- 
tremely careful.” 

“If it is carried on!” echoed the general signifi- 
cantly; then turning to Mark, he added, quietly: 
“What do you think of it, young man?” 

“Think of it?” replied the ensign. “Humph! it is 
a pretty cool attempt at intimidation, that’s all.” 

“Then you intend going right on with the expedi- 
tion?” 

“Just as fast as time will allow me,” was the quiet 
reply. “I am sorry the blue peter is not apeak now. 
But I am afraid, gentlemen, you misunderstand my 
motive for hurrying ashore with this note. I only 
wished to inform you that a traitor occupies some posi- 
tion in this house which allows him to secure the most 
secret information.” 

“It certainly seems so,” answered the general, 
thoughtfully. “But no person outside of the five. inter- 
ested in the affair and j^ourself could hardly know of 
it. You remember that we decided yesterday to keep 
the matter hushed up as much as possible.” 

“Are there any members of your office force in a posi- 
tion to learn anything?” asked Mark. 

“Not one,” replied Bevins emphaticall3^ “We at- 
tend to all the correspondence ourselves.” 

“But how about the porter?” persisted the ensign, 


AN UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER, 

9 


25 


lowering his voice and glancing toward the silent fig- 
ure seated at the door. 

‘‘Ah! I have forgotten him,” answered the old gen- 
tleman reflectively, then with a wave of his hand he 
continued : “He don’t amount to anything. The fellow 
hasn’t a thought above his duties and possibly a quiet 
game of kori or fan-tan. Anyway, he can hardly over- 
hear our conversation in this room.” 

Mark was not so certain of that, but another glance 
at the impassive figure gazing stolidly through the 
glass doors allayed his half-formed suspicions. 

“Well, I started to visit the Badger when, this note 
was handed me,” he said finally, preparing to take his 
departure. “I was hailed from the ship while passing, 
and — by the way, my leave has been granted. The 
admiral received a cablegram from Washington this 
morning. Everything is all right, and it is dated from 
to-day. That leaves me free to devote my time to the 
shipment of the crew and other matters. I have de- 
cided to secure the service of Midshipman Gage, who 
can easily obtain a vacation. He will make an efficient 
lieutenant.” 

By request of the general and his partner it was ar- 
ranged that Mark should take up his lodgings with 
them until the following day, when he intended to 
move on board the steamer. They wished him to spend 
the evening with them, so the three could talk over the 
multiple details of the expedition. After promising to 
return not later than sundown the ensign started for the 
landing, intending to board the Badger at once. 

He had been so deeply interested in the events of the 
morning that the nearness of “tiffin” (midday lunch) 
had not occurred to him. Chancing to pass a well 
known restaurant, much in vogue with the officers, he 
stepped in, and ordered a light repast. 


2 (; AN^ UyrX^^FCTED ENCOUNTEIl. 

e 

Mark had been seated a few minutes when, happen- 
ing to glance up, he saw Ah Foy passing down the 
center aisle. Thinking the man might be looking for 
him, he was on the point of addressing the porter, but 
at that moment he halted in front of a little side alcove 
and knocked at the closed door. 

It was opened at once, but so slightly that Merrill 
was unable to see the occupant. He noticed a hand ex- 
tended through the aperture, hovvever, and a slip of 
paper thrust into it by Ah Foy, who immediately 
turned and started for tlie door. A few steps and he 
was close to Mark. His eyes wandered in that direc- 
tion and fell upon the ensign. To the surprise of the 
latter he stopped short and seemed as if about to retrace 
his steps, at the same time exhibiting such an expres- 
sion of consternation that Merrill half-rose from his 
chair. It was over in an instant, however, and the 
Chinaman’s face again bore its habitual look of impas- 
siveness. With a low bow he passed on and vanished 
through the vestibule leading outside. 

“By Jove!” exclaimed Mark, half-aloud, staring 
after the figure. “There is something wrong with that 
fellow surely. He is up to mischief, and I am going 
to find out what it means if it takes all night. He has 
been on some guilty errand, or he wouldn’t have acted 
so suspiciously on seeing me. I wonder who could 
have received the note in that alcove. Whoever it is 
seems to be afraid to show' his precious face. Well, 
m just wait a while and see if the gentleman comes 
out.” 

A sudden desire to ascertnin whether the porter was 
still lurking outside prompted Merrill to glance through 
an open window close at hand. By bending over he 
could see as far as an adjacent corner, and there, busily 
scribbling on a piece of card w'as the Chinaman. 


THE MAN IN THE ALCOVE. 


27 


He finished almost immediately and handed it to a 
native boy, who was evidently in waiting. TJ^en 
pointing toward the restaurant Ah Foy apparently gave 
the messenger some brief directions and sent him off. 
On seeing this, Mark resumed his seat at the table with 
a hastily formed scheme in his mind. He waited until 
the lad entered and then beckoned him in an authorita- 
tive manner. 

“Have you a message from Ah Foy, the porter at 
Bevins & Rollins?” he asked him sternly. 

The messenger hesitated, then nodding his head, 
drew forth the card and gave it to Mark. The latter 
handed him a coin, and, after the boy had departed, 
looked at his prize. To his chagrin and., disappoint- 
ment it was written in Chinese characters. 


CHAPTER V. 

THE MAN IN THE ALCOVE. 

Merrill expected something better from his bold 
move than an ordinary piece of cardboard bearing 
characters only familiar to him on tea-chests or laundry 
tickets. He gave a short laugh and slipped it into his 
pocket, intending to have the meaning translated after 
his vigil over the alcove door was ended. 

Dallying as long as possible with his meal, he kept a 
sharp lookout in that direction, and patiently waited. 
Having ample time for thought he ran over the events 
of the last two days and tried to find a motive for his 
suspicion of the porter. As yet no occurrence would 
warrant a positive belief in the man’s guilt as a spy, 
but nevertheless Mark could not help thinking of him 
in that role. 


28 


THE MAH IN THE ALCO VE. 


His actions a few minutes previous were strange, to 
say the least, and if ever man expressed strong unwill- 
iugness at meeting another, Ah Foy did then. 

“There is a traitor in camp somewhere, and I am 
going to find out whether it is our esteemed Mongolian 
or not,” decided Merrill, with determination. “If we 
are subjected to such revelations in our plans at the 
outset, it will do little good to — He was interiuj led 
hy a hearty slap on the back, and a pleasant-faced 
youth, clad in the uniform worn by a midshipman 
when on duty, stood before him. 

“Isay, Mark, you are having a good time all by 
3 ourself,” exclaimed the new-comer laughingly. “You 
get more shore leave than au}^ officer in the mess, and 
now I hear y^ou are going to ‘vacate’ for a j^ear; is that 
so?” 

“Yes; Ned Gage, ^’ou are rightly informed. My 
time commences to-da}". But sit down, old boy; lam 
glad you came in, as I have something important to 
tell 3"OU. Now, when I mention it, don’t get up and 
3ell — just restrain yourself an hour or two for pro- 
priety’s sake.” 

After giving the lad this solemn warning, Merrill 
rapidly told him about the expedition just organized, 
and formally tendered him a commission as first lieu- 
tenant of the Badger, providing he could obtain leave 
of absence. Despite the ensign’s previous remark, Ned 
gave a whoop of joy, and, springing to his feet, 
grasped Mark’s hand with no gentle force. 

“By^ Jove! I could almost hug y’on,” he exclaimed, 
his face glowing with pleasure. “ Whyy I can’t believe 
this is true. Say, Mark,” looking anxiously in that 
young gentleman’s eyes, “you are not joking, are 
y^ou?” 

“Why, of course not,” laughed Merrill. “But do 


THE MAN IN THE ALGO VE, 


29 


sit down; people are looking at us already. Wait a 
few moments and w’e will leave here for some place 
where you can dance a hornpipe." First and foremost, 
however, I want you to keep this a dead secret. It has 
leaked out too much as it is.” 

In a few words Mark described the letter he had re- 
ceived that day, and how his suspicions had been 
aroused by the porter’s strange conduct. On showing 
him the card containing the Chinese writing, Ned 
glanced at it thoughtfully and then starting up, said he 
knew a clerk in an office close by who would readily 
translate it. Hardly waiting for permission, the 
middy darted off and in a very brief space of time was 
back, triumphantly waving a sheet of paper. 

^‘Here you are, Mark, all in good old English. It 
didn’t take him two minutes to convert those pot-hooks 
and stove-lids into ‘sommit wot is sommit’ as tLie cap- 
tain of the forecastle says. But, I say, it is about you, 
and establishes that fellow’s guilt beyond doubt. Just 
listen to this.” Bending over close to the ensign, Ned 
read the following, in a low voice : 

‘‘Caution, your highness; the young naval officer is 
in the outer room, and I think his suspicions are 
aroused. Do not leave until you receive word from 
me. Ah Foy.” 

“That settles it !” exclaimed Mark decisively. “We 
must notify Mr. Bevins at once, and have the treacher- 
ous scoundrel discharged. It is a g^'eat pity this has 
occurred, but it will show i s one thing — not to under- 
rate the cunning and power of the enemy.” 

“Sh — sh!” warned Ned suddenly. “There is some 
one coming out of that alcove.” 

The ensign had momentarily withdrawn his atten- 
tion from the door, but at the whispered words he 


30 


TEE MAE IE THE ALCOVE. 


wheeled around just in time to see a figure emerge from 
the private room and walk rapidly toward them. 
Springing to his feet Merrill started ostensibly for the 
cashier’s desk, but timed his steps so as to meet the 
other midway. 

Although the weather was warm and balmy, the 
mysterious stranger wore a heavy Spanish cloak with 
collar turned up around his ears. This, and a dark felt 
hat pulled as far down as possible, effectually con- 
cealed his face. He had apparently not noticed our 
hero, but, as he approached him, gave Mark a careless 
glance, which had an immediate and surprising effect. 

Giving a sti filed cry, the man stopped short and for 
one brief moment stared at Merrill, then with a hasty 
movement buried his head deeper in the cloak and 
rushed past him into the street. 

In his evident excitement the covering had slipped 
away, and Mark caught a fieeting glimpse of the 
stranger’s countenance. What he saw caused him to 
halt and open his mouth as if on the point of uttering 
some name, but the other disappeared too (juickly, leav- 
ing the ensign looking after him in a helpless and 
bewildered manner. 

Ned immediately joined Mark and asked what it all 
meant. But muttering some unintelligible words, the 
latter paid his bill at the desk and left the ca/c, fol- 
lowed b}^ his mystified friend. 

Once outside, Merrill looked up and down the busy 
thoroughfare, but the man had vanished. His quick 
eye caught sight of Ah Foy, however, standing at the 
next corner, but it was only a passing glance; the 
Chinaman stepped back out of sight, and when the two 
friends reached there the porter was invisible. 

“On to Bevin’s office,” exclaimed Merrill. “Quick, 
Ned, I must communicate with the firm at once.” 


THE MAN IN THE ALCOVE. 


31 


^‘Dkl you recognize that fellow?” asked young Gage, 
striding along at the top of his speed in his endeavor to 
keep pace with Mark, 

‘‘It ca7anot possibly be him,” murmured the ensign 
absently; then catching Ned’s question, he replied: 
‘‘Yes — that is, I hardly know whether I did or not. 

it must be a mistake — a fancied resemblance — he 
could not liave been the one.” Stopping slightly, he 
turned to the middy and continued earnestly: ‘‘I really 
thought I had seen him before, but I must be mistaken. 
Just don’t say anything about it to any one, Ned, until 
I see further.” 

By this time they bad reached the office. The two 
merchants were still at work in the private room, and 
saw them immediately. As quickly as possible Mark 
explained the scene in the restaurant with Ah Foy, and 
handed over the bit of cardboard with the translation. 
To say that Mr. Bevins and the general were highly 
incensed would be using a mild term. A clerk wae 
sent out in search of the porter, with instructions to 
bring him before them without delay. 

After issuing this order the four held a brief consul- 
tation, Ned being included, in virtue of his new ap- 
pointment. After talking over the matter it was 
finally decided that little could be done with the China- 
man for his treacherous conduct, as he really had com- 
mitted no crime making him amenable to the law. It 
was therefore with rather a feeling of relief that the 
clerk’s report was received a half-hour later, saying 
that Ah Foy could not be found. Mark voiced the opin- 
ion of all when be said he was satisfied with having 
driven the scoundrel away. 

“We can now progress with a reasonable surety that 
our plans will not be retailed to the pirates almost 
before formation,” he added. 


32 


THE MAN IN THE ALCOVE. 


“What kind of a man -was this fellow in the alcove?’' 
asked the general. 

“He was rather strongly bnilt, and a little above tiie 
average height,” replied Merrill. 

“Did you catch a glimpse of his face?” 

Expecting the question, Mark suddenly walked 
toward the door, and, pretending to not hear it, he said : 

“lam going to scout around the bund and see if I 
can spot him again. It is my opinion that he is this 
chief your detective wrote about. By the way, it will 
hardly do to put any faith in that fellow, now, eh? It 
may be possible he is one of the gang. ” 

“Not only possible but highly probable,” coincided 
the general. “If he sends us another report, we will 
have to take it with a grain of salt. You will return 
for dinner this evening, will you not, Mark? And 
can’t you favor us also, Mr. Gage?” 

Both young men gave their consent and left the 
office. After spending an hour on the principal thoi- 
oughfares and in public places without seeing their 
man, the search was abandoned for that day, as the 
ensign wished to carry out his original intention of 
looking over the Badger. There were some alterations 
to be made which should be commenced at once, and 
Mark was eager to see them underway. 

It was decided for Ned to go on board the Trenton 
and apply to the first lieutenant for twenty hours’ leave 
of absence, at the same time asking the admiral to 
cable to the department for the longer vacation. He 
Avas then to join the ensign on the steamer. 

The latter now started for the third time that day, 
and, after twenty minutes, sail, reached the vessel. She 
was a strongly built Delaware River craft of about six 
hundred tons, and presented rather a rakish appearance 
for a merchant craft. The decks Avere flush fore and 


THE EXPLOSION. 


66 


aft — that is, unbroken by forecastle or poop — thus 
affording a good protection for the crew*. Arranged at 
intervals on each side were a half-dozen steel ports, 
formerly used for loading and unloading cargo, but 
now particularly adapted for broadside guns. 

There was very little sail-power, she being only fitted 
with two schooner-rigged masts, but this was counter- 
balanced by spacious bunkers, in which could be carried 
an ample supply of coal. Another advantage was the 
peculiar shaped stern, or counter, which descended 
almost to the water’s edge, thus protecting the rudder- 
post, a decidedly vulnerable part of a vessel. The 
sharp cutwater forward also added to her beauty from 
a naval standpoint, and, as Mark was rowed alongside, 
he can be pardoned for feeling proud of his ship. 


CHAPTER VI. 

THE EXPLOSION. 

The secret company formed by the five principal 
merchants of the bund, as represented by Bevins & 
Rollins, had bought the Badger outright through her 
agents in Shanghai, paying for her immediately, and 
taking possession on the day of the purchase. 

She had arrived light for orders some weeks previous, 
and it was therefore only a few hours’ work to pay off 
the crew and turn the vessel over to a watchman in 
the firm’s employ. Her previous anchorage was some 
distance down the river, but at Mark’s request a tug- 
boat had towed her up within easy reach of the bund 
that morning. As stated before, Merrill intended to 
move on board the following day and make the ship his 
headquarters for the enrolling of the crew and other 
preparations. 


M 


THE EXPLOSION. 


This was a matter which required delicate handling 
to prevent the object of the expedition from being 
noised about, although, in view of the Ah Foy episode, 
there was little hope of retaining the secret. Still none 
of the company cared to have it made public more than 
necessary, for many reasons. 

There were several shipping offices ashore, with whom 
Mark had already communicated, leaving directions 
Avith each to send all applicants on board to him for 
personal examination before signing articles. He 
wished to use as much care as possible in the selection, 
and intended giving every individual an idea of the 
dangerous part of the expedition first. 

As he had figured it out there would be required, 
beside Ned and himself, at least one hundred and fifty 
men. This would include a second and third oflScer, 
three engineers, two boatswains and carpenters, fifteen 
men in the fire-room, at least twelve in the steward’s 
department, and the balance forward. One thing Mark 
intending paying especial attention to was the select- 
ing of a competent surgeon. He had in mind a young 
man lately arrived from the United States, a rec(mt 
graduate of medicine, who was traveling for pleasure 
in the East. He had met him several times and was 
satisfied from his conversation that it would be an easy 
matter to secure his services. It may as well be stated 
at once that Merrill was successful in this matter, and 
Paul Agnew, M.D., was in due time enrolled on the 
articles of the Badger as “surgeon in chief.” 

Mark was met at the gangway by the watchman, a 
native of the old sod, who had been employed for many 
years with the firm. Patrick received the young ensign 
with many expressions of pleasure at the visit, and led 
the way aft to the companionway leading below with 
all the airs of a king’s servitor, 

' i .. f 


THE EXPLOSION. 


35 


“Have you received any callers since yesterday", 
Patrick^” 

“Divil .a wan, yer honor, except a good many of 
thim slant-eyed hathens who bothers the life out av 
yez, thryin’ to sell this an’ that whither ye wants it or 
not. They pestered me so this marnin’ that Oi just 
shtarted a wee bit av a foire in the donkey biler, an’ 
turned the hose an thim. It would ha’ made yer wor- 
ship laugh to see thim lave their boats for tb’ cool av 
th’ river whin the hot wather struck their bare skin.” 

The light-hearted man ended with such a series of 
peculiar chuckles that Mark was compelled to join in 
bis mirth. 

“What I meant, Pat, was, have you noticed any 
suspicious characters near the ship, or has anybody not 
a peddler attempted to come on board?” 

“No, sor; no wan but meself has come aboard this 
day. Oi know, yer honor, because Oi haven’t set me 
fut off av this deck.” 

Merrill smiled at the “bull,” and, entering the com- 
panionway, started to descend. Before reaching the 
bottom a white object on one of the steps caught his 
eye. Thinking it might be some paper of importance, 
he picked it up, and to his surprise found that it was a 
fine linen handkerchief. Running up on deck again he 
examined it closely. It had evidently been lately 
laundried, and bore plainly in one corner an interwoven 
monogram, which he saw was composed of the letters: 
“S” and “C.” 

An instant’s reflection showed him that it must have 
been dropped there recently, as he had gone up and 
down those very stairs together with Mr. Bevins sev- 
eral times the day before. Merrill turned and looked 
at Patrick. 

That astute Irishman had been performing some 


36 


THE EXPLOSION. 


wonderful gyrations in the meantime. He was close 
at his heels when the latter started below, and saw him 
pick up the object, but did not know what it was until 
Mark returned to the deck. Then while the ensign was 
bending over it, Patrick threw up both hands in dis- 
may and puckered his mouth in a comical attempt at a 
whistle. 

The pantomime was all over, however, in an instant, 
and all Mark saw was an innocent face with the twink- 
ling gray eyes looking at him in mild inquiry. 

presume this belongs to you, Pat?’’ asked Merrill 
carelessly, extending the handkerchief. 

“Yis; 3^ honor. Oi must have dhropped it bechune 
^usternight an’ thismarnin’ while walkin’ me rounds.” 

He reached for it, but the ensign stepped back a 
couple of paces and pointed' to the monogram in the 
corner. 

‘^You lying scoundrel!” exclaimed Mark sternl}". 
“Do ^rou mean to tell me this is yours? How long is 
it since you have commenced using fine cambric hand- 
kerchiefs with monograms on them?” 

Patrick lowered his eyes before Merrill’s indignant 
gaze, and did not reply for a moment; then with a 
ludicrous expression of mingled entreaty and appre- 
hension, he said : 

“Faith, an’ Oi thought it was mine, commodore. 
But me ould eyes must have desaved me. It’s quare 
how it got aboard. There’s been a shtrong wind a- 
blowin’ from th’ beach an’ it might have kim from 
some laddibuck’s hands, a-walkin’ wid his girrul.” 

While the wily Irishman was trying to blarney" his 
way out of the scrape, Mark had been rapidly thinking. 
His suspicions, aroused from the first, were becoming a 
certainty with each passing moment. The finding of 
the handkerchief indicated that some one having no 


TEE EXPLOSION, 


37 


business there bad visited the Badger since the previous 
afternoon, and Patrick’s ridiculous excuses only 
strengthened the belief. 

If any further proof was needed, that worthy’s action 
in denying it would be suflScient. Why should he lie 
if he had not wished it kept a secret? Now the ques- 
tion was, who could it have been? Merrill glanced at 
the monogram, and a troubled look overcast his face. 

The receipt of the warning letter on the previous day, 
and the discovery of Ah Foy’s connection with the 
enemy had made the young ensign believe that strenu- 
ous efforts would be made to defeat the expedition at 
the outset if possible. For this reason it was only the 
course of wisdom to exercise every precaution. He re- 
solved to try and frighten the watchman into telling 
the truth. 

“Patrick, some person or persons have been on board 
this vessel since last evening. I am positive of it, and 
I am going to ask you for the last time to tell me who 
they were. You have been many years in the employ 
of Bevins & Rollins, and your position is good for life 
if you continue in their favor. Now, I know that the 
general gave you very strict orders about not permit- 
ting any one, mind you, any living soul beside myself 
and friends to come on board.” 

Mark paused for a moment and gazed sternly at the 
man. Poor Patrick shifted from one foot to the other 
uneasily, and tried to escape from that accusing eye. 
He did not attempt any more ingenious excuses, how- 
ever. Merrill continued : 

“Who was your visitor? Will you tell me or not?” 

“Yis; your honor.” The words were uttered in a 
very low tone, and Pat did not look up as he made his 
confession. “Ye see, it was this way. This marnin’ 
’arly, a sampan rowed alongside wid wan passenger in 


38 


THE EXPLOSION. 


it. He hail' the deck, an’ whin Oi answered, he sez, 
sezhe: ‘Can Oi come aboard for wan minute?’ Oi 
sez, ‘No, ye can’t widout yez have a permit from th’ 
firrum,’’ an’ he sez he had that, an’ he ups wid a bit av 
paper. Av coorse Oi made way thin, an' he climbed 
up an’ ” 

“Where is the permit?” interrupted Mark. 

“ Whin he handed it to me Oi read it, an’ then a sud- 
den wind blowed the bit ov paper from me fist.” 

“Ah!” exclaimed Merrill, sarcastically. 

He had little faith in the Irishman’s “winds.” Their 
effects were too miraculous. 

“ What kind of a man was this? Describe him. ” 

“He appeared to be tall, much taller than yer honor, 
an’ he had big bushy whiskers. Well, Oi asked him 
what was his pleasure, an’ he says be wanted to look 
over the ship to make some repairs. Wid that Oi let 
him go down below in the cabin an’ thin forward. He 
only stayed about foive minutes an’ thin wint away.” 

Mark doubted his story, although it was certainly 
told in a straightforward manner. It was more plaus- 
ible to believe that money formed the “open sesame” 
than a permit. However, that could be settled by see- 
ing the firm. Bidding Patrick remain on deck, Mer- 
rill went below with the intentionof carefully searching 
the ship. 

Ten jninutes later, Ned Gage, who had finally ob- 
tained bis twenty hours’ leave from the Trenton, sailed 
alongside, and, gayly waving his hand to Patrick, 
called out: 

“Man the sides, boatswain; your superior officer is 
coming aboard to report to the commodore^” 

“Oi, Oi, sor!” replied the Irishman, entering into 
the fun. “But yez’ 11 have to excuse ceremonies, sor, 
becaze ” 


ARBIYAL OF THE MUNITION OF WAB^ 39 

A deafening explosion rent the air, a sheet of flame 
sho' up from the forward hatch, and, with a cry, Ned 
fell back insensible, his sampan drifting rapidly away 
with the tide. 


CHAPTER VII. 

ARRIVAL OF THE MUNITION OP WAR. 

On reaching the cabin after leaving Patrick, the 
watchman, on the main deck of the Badger, as previ- 
ously mentioned, Mark looked carefully around in 
search of further evidences of the mysterious stranger’s 
visit. He hardly knew what to expect, but that no 
good was boded to the ship could not be doubted. 

As far as his being sent by one of the firm, that was 
simply preposterous, as all arrangements were left in 
the ensign’s hands. In fact, Mark had engaged the 
workmen that very morning. 

Shaking his head dubiously, the youthful commander 
entered stateroom after stateroom, peering under the 
berths, closely examining all lockers, and even scruti- 
nizing the open air-ports, but without success. 

There was one large room aft, extending clear across 
the beam of the ship, and about as long, which had 
been made for the captain’s exclusive use. It was 
handsomely furnished in hard wood, and thick tapestry 
carpets, and- had been early selected by Mark as his 
quarters. 

Directing his steps thither, he passed through the 
partition door, and was just in the act of bending over 
a table in the center, when the explosion shook the ves- 
sel from stem to stern, sending him headlong to the 
floor. The strong steel frame of the Badger quivered 
as if torn asunder, a mighty wave, set in instant mo- 


40 


ARRIVAL OF THE MUNITION OF WAR. 


tion by the force, rocked her from side to side, and for 
one brief moment it seemed as if the sorely buffeted 
hull would sink beneath the waters of the river. 

If the explosion had been a trifle stronger, or if the 
ship itself had possessed a less powerful and well- con- 
structed hull, she would have gone down like a shot — 
as it was, the whole forward end from the bridge to the 
bow attested to the force of the shock. 

Aft in the cabin, Mark, who had fortunately been 
only slightly stunned, quickly regained his feet and 
rushed on deck. The scene of destruction forward 
caused him to stop short in dismay, but he paid little 
attention to that, his first thought being of Patrick. 

The watchman was not in sight. The deck was un- 
tenanted, save by himself, as far as he could see. 
Running to the side the ensign scanned the water’s sur- 
face just in time to observe a boat, one of a swarm that 
had put off from shore, row close to a form floating 
with the tide. It was not too distant to recognize Pat’s 
familiar face in the rescued one. Not far astern was 
another sampan, drifting idly at will with a doubled-up 
figure in the bottom. The glint of a bright gilded but- 
ton from a crumpled jacket thrown carelessly over the 
seat, and a naval shaped cap afloat in the river, keep- 
ing pace with the boat, attracted Mark’s attention 
anew. A second glance revealed certain well-known 
points characteristic of Ned Gage. 

Standing on the taffrail aft, Mark pointed eagerly to 
the boat with its helpless cargo, and shouted the young 
middy’s name. He addressed an officer from the Tren- 
ton in charge of that vessel’s launch, which had sped 
on its mission of rescue almost before the sound of the 
explosion had ceased echoing from shore to shore. Fol- 
lowing came others, three or more, cleaving the water 
with the impulse of sturdy arms and steady strokes. 


ABRIVAL OF THE MUNITION OF WAR^ 41 

From the direction of the quays steamed a tender, on 
the deck of which was grouped a crowd of Americans, 
among whom Merrill easily recognized the portly fig- 
ures of the general and Mr. Bevins. That they were 
excited could be proven by the way they hugged the 
rail. In front, on either side, astern and from every 
point of the compass, came sampans, sailboats, canoes, 
and every conceivable manner of craft, packed with 
people. Never before had the little harbor known so 
much excitement. 

As the tug puffed alongside, Mark mounted the 
gangway, and when the first man scrambled up the 
ladder, he found the ensign standing, cap in hand, as 
calm and matter-of-fact as if such occurrences formed 
events of everyday life. In a few minutes he was the 
center of a group, all talking at once. Courteously ex- 
cusing himself, Merrill drew the two members of the 
firm aside, and briefly explained what he knew of the 
affair, not forgetting Patrick’s story concerning the 
mysterious visitor, nor his own suspicions as to the truth 
thereof. 

‘‘Where is he?” asked the general wrathfully. 

Mark pointed toward the gangway. Patrick had just 
stepped on deck, wet and bedraggled, followed by Ned 
Gage, who still appeared slightly dazed. Beckoning 
to the Irishman, Rollins questioned him sharply, but 
elicited nothing further than the ensign had already 
told him. It was evident the Celt meant to adhere to 
his story. The general speedily gave it up, and ordered 
him ashore for dry clothing. 

The party, accompanied by the middy, then went for- 
ward, and examined the WTeck. From a closer inspec- 
tion it did not look so badly. The force of the explo- 
sion had evidently trended upward, and as far as they 
could see there was little damage created below. A 


42 


ARRIVAL OF THE MUNITION OF WAII 


few smoldering beams showed that fire had resulted, 
but it was only trivial. 

From a few feet forward of the bridge the deck plank- 
ing had been ripped up and scattered in every direction. 
The windlass and capstan were displaced, the latter 
being hurled ten or twelve feet aft of its original posi- 
tion. Looking over the side, Mark saw that the upper 
plates were bent out a trifle, but not otherwise dam- 
aged to any extent. The worst havoc seemed to be 
aloft. Stays and shrouds were flapping about with 
ragged ends; the foregaff had been torn bodily from 
its sockets and swung idly from the peak with every 
roll of the vessel and, what instantly attracted the 
ensign’s attention was the shaky appearance of the 
foremast. He examined it closely, and soon saw that 
it would have to be rewedged at least. Abaft the pilot 
house the only evidence of the explosion Was a broken 
pane of glass. 

“Well, this is a terrible state of affairs,” sighed Mr. 
Bevins, to whose unpracticed eye the steamer seemed 
hopelessly ruined. “Confound those people ! I’ll spend 
my last cent, but what I’ll wipe them out. Mark, my 
boy, this will delay us, but I think we can find another 
vessel before long.” 

The ensign, who had stepped aside with a shrewd- 
looking inan of quiet appearance, smiled, and replied : 

“The old Badger is not lost yet, sir. Mr. Shover, 
here, says he can repair her within three weeks, which 
is about the time we expect the cargo from San Fran- 
cisco.” 

The old gentleman brightened up, and, cordially 
grasping the shipbuilder’s hand, said he would pay him 
liberally, if he could finish the work in that period. 
Considering that as an order, the practical superintend- 


ARRIVAL OF THE MUNITION OF WAR, . 43 


ent left for his yard at once, promising to have a gang 
of men on board before dark. 

At Mark’s request the middy politely saw the curious 
throng of sightseers over the side, and, after the ship 
had been cleared, they took seats on the hatchway to 
talk over the explosion. It was the opinion of all that 
Patrick’s tall man, with a bushy beard, was simply a 
creature of his fertile imagination, and that the stranger 
must have been he whom Mark had encountered in the 
cafe ashore. Merrill thought of the handkerchief, and 
felt doubly sure. 

‘‘They are determined to offer every obstacle to us 
they possibly can,” remarked -the general. “Knowing 
our plans through that scoundrel. Ah Foy, and having 
men right here on the ground, they may cause us a 
great deal of annoyance and expense.” 

“It is my Intention to live on the Badger from this 
moment, and Ned can join me to-morrow after he hears 
from the Navy Department,” said Merrill decisively. 
“When you go on shore, please engage a steward, and 
send him off with provisions.” 

“I say, Mark,” spoke up the middy, “Anthracite 
was paid off* this morning. His three years are up, 
and he didn’t care to reship on the Trenton. Why not 
take him?” 

“He is just the man. I would not want a better 
cook, or steward, either. He is thoroughly honest and 
faithful, and, if a little eccentric, can be depended 
upon.” 

“What did you call him?” asked Mr. Bevins. 

“Anthracite,” laughed Mark. “Some of the boys on 
board dubbed him that on account of his color, a shiny, 
coal black. His real name is lost in the obscurity of 
the enlistment records. He calls himself ‘Ant’ for 
short.” 


4:4 


AEBIVAL OF THE MUNITION OF WAN 


Turning to the middy, Merrill asked him to look the 
negro up as soon as possible, and send him on board. 

The two members of the firm, accompanied by Gage, 
left for the bund. After seeing them over the side, 
Mai-k went forward and devoted the next half-hour to a 
strict investigation of the damages. By the time he 
had completed the survey, a large steam tug brought 
off the shipwright with a gang of men ready for work. 

They turned to immediately, and soon the air re- 
sounded with the din of hammers, the sharp rasping of 
saws, and the multitudinous noises of labor. The harsh 
clangor sounded like sweet music to Maik, proclaiming 
as it did the speedy completion of the repairs. 

Ned returned on board toward evening, accompanied 
by Anthracite’s familiar form. The negro boy — he 
was not over twenty — appeared highly pleased at enter- 
ing Mark’s service, and set to work in the galley imme- 
diately, preparing an appetizing repast from a huge 
basket of viands Ned had not forgotten to purchase. 

During the following three weeks nothing eventful 
occurred. Gage received his leave, and moved on 
board, glad of the change. The repairs were finally 
completed to everybody’s satisfaction, leaving the ves- 
sel even stronger than before. A portion of the crew, 
some hundred and twenty, were shipped, and others 
were fast coming in, and one sunny afternoon a fin# 
Pacific Mail steamer came into port bearing the sinews 
of war for the famous expedition. 


THE BADGEB SAILS, 


45 


CHAPTER VIII. 

THE BADGER SAILS. 

The five members of the company were assembled on 
the after-deck of the steamer that afternoon, accom- 
panied by Mark and his able lieutenant, Ned Gage. 
Word had been received from Woosung, at the mouth 
of the river, by a fast steam launch belonging to the 
firm, that the Ajax, from San Francisco, had been 
sighted off the coast. This was the vessel by which 
the guns and other warlike material was expected, so 
all those interested were early on board the private 
crusier to witness the work of transfer. 

It was a delicate operation, hoisting the huge pieces 
of metal from one ship to the other, but by dint of care- 
ful management and the use of a powerful floating 
derrick contributed by Mr. Shover, it was accomplished 
without mishap. 

In repairing the Badger’s bow a double port-hole had 
been constructed on each side, so that one cannon could 
be maneuvered on a pivot, swinging either way as re- 
quired. The other two were placed aft as broadsides. 

The Gatlings were mounted on the bridge so as to 
secure a sweep fore and aft as well as on the beam. 
This was deemed necessary by Mark, as an occasion 
might arise when it would be expedient to train thejn 
on the deck, in case of the pirates boarding the ship. 
The powder, and ammunition were placed in magazines 
especially constructed in the forward hold, from whence 
it could be easily carried to the guns. 

Nothing was done, save mounting the cannon on 
their carriages, as the ensign did not care to make an 
unnecessary display in port. The machine guns were 


46 


THE BADQER SAILS. 


covered by tarpaulins, effectually concealing their iden 
tity. After all was finished the Badger looked Uh 
nothing more than an ordinary merchant steamer, th( 
counterpart of scores sailing the Yellow Sea. Then 
was still a certain “smartness” about her, however 
that Mark intended to do away with after sailing. H( 
had in mind a little ruse by which he could completeh 
disguise the vessel on leaving Shanghai, so that thi 
knowledge gained by the pirates might not avail then 
80 much after all. 

As stated before, the large majority of the crew ha( 
been shipped. These included the surgeon ; the secon( 
officer, Howard Watson, a former graduate of the An 
napolis Naval Academy, who had resigned to enter th 
merchant service, and who now eagerly accepted a po 
sition recalling his early training; the third ofBcer 
Jelf Miller, a typical Yankee mate, abundantly pro 
vided by nature with the ability to give and take an; 
amount of hard knocks ; the three engineers, the entir 
steward’s department, and one hundred men. Merri] 
still desired thirty more to fill the complement. Ther 
were numerous applicants, but he w^as strict in hi 
selection, and rejected a good many. 

On the morning after the arrival of the battery, ; 
shipping agency ashore sent off tw^enty-five men fo 
inspection. Merrill received them in the pilot-hous 
with Ned, who was now taking an active part in th 
ship’s duties. They appeared a likely lot of seamen a 
a whole, and were evidently of various nationalities. 

Arranging them in line, Mark questioned each one i: 
turn, and, if the reply proved satisfactory, the candi 
date would be given over to the boatswain for service 
The first seven were Americans, paid off from a cor 
demned bark which had been lying in port for severs 
weeks. Their discharges suited the ensign’s critics 


THE BADGER SAILS. 


47 


eye, and he was just on the point of enrolling them, 
when, chancing to glance up, he 'noticed a tall man with 
bushy whiskers in the group. 

Like a flash the mysterious stranger of Patrick’s 
story came into his mind. Could it have been true, 
after all? And was ^his the man who had caused the 
explosion? At the thought, Mark half-rose from his 
chair, but the absurdity of the thing caused him to 
smile at his fancy, and he proceeded with the ceremony 
of enlistment, slightly ashamed. He could not resist 
following the man with his eyes, however, as he left 
the bridge, but the fellow, who had shipped under the 
sanguinary name of John Blood,” proceeded about his 
business, apparently unaware of the attention he had 
created. In the worry and bustle of the next few days, 
the ensign forgot the incident, but it was destined to be 
recalled in a most startling manner later on. 

Twenty-one of the men were added to the crew, and 
the balance returned to the bund. Later in the same 
day enough seamen to complete the roster were re- 
ceived, and Merrill closed the books with a sigh of 
relief, satisfied that he had a fighting crew. Little by 
little the various details of preparation were com- 
pleted, the engines placed in thorough repair, provis- 
ions and coal taken on board, an extra supply of the 
latter being placed on the berth-deck, the crew drilled 
sufficiently for present needs, and at last one morning, 
just four weeks after the eventful meeting in the office 
of the firm, the good ship Badger lay with steam up 
and anchor apeak ready for her adventurous voyage 
among the pirate-cursed islands of the Yellow Sea. 

Grouped on the bridge were the five members of the 
Secret Company, and the two young officers. The 
latter were clad in undress naval uniforms, and wore 
swords strapped to their waists in regulation style. 


48 


THE BADGER SAILS, 


After seeing everything in readiness, Mark telegraphed 
‘‘go ahead slow’^ to the engine-room, Ned grasped the 
whistle-cord, and just as the water aft bubbled under 
the propeller’s powerful strokes, a long, shrill blast 
proclaimed to those on shore that a steamship was leav- 
ing their hospitable port. But few knew the destination 
or its import to Shanghai. 

A local pilot, an intelligent Mongolian, had been en- 
gaged to carry the ship past Woosung, so Mark turned 
over the command to him, and devoted his attention to 
the owners of the Badger. Progress down the river 
was necessarily slow, as the channel teemed with craft 
of every description, from the huge ocean carrier to the 
quaint homemade canoes of the water beggars. The 
bare fourteen miles from the bund to where the narrow 
stream joined forces with the mighty Yangtse Kiang 
occupied over three hours, so when a sparkling beam of 
sunlight glinted in the distance ahead, proclaiming the 
golden-domed pagodas of Woosung, it was high noon 
by the clock. 

Mark decided to cast anchor for an hour, and have 
tiflBn served in his private room for the company. After 
seeing their steam tug alongside, he joined the party at 
the table. It would probably be the last opportunity 
of conversing with his employers for many months, so 
he improved the occasion, and talked over their final 
instructions. 

After the repast was concluded. General Rollins, to 
whom all details had been left, made a short speech for 
the benefit of those members who had not devoted their 
previous attention to the work as it progressed. He 
explained the financial disbursements, and gave a 
scheduled list of future expenses, and then outlined 
Mark’s plan of campaign. 

“Our commander, gentlemen,” he continued, “is not 


THE BADGER SAILS, 


49 


sailing altogether in the dark, neither is he going to 
trust to chance encounters with the enemy ; but he has 
juvst assured me that he will strike for their stronghold 
at once. To do that requires a little strategy, but I 
think we can trust him for that. The information re- 
ceived from our native detective cannot be relied upon, 
of course. However, we all know where our vessels 
were attacked, and we will give them a chance at 
another one, but this time they may catch a Tartar. 
Mr. Merrill intends steaming direct from here to the 
numerous islands north of Formosa, changing the 
Badger’s appearance as much as possible on the way, 
and then cruise in the neighborhood until the enemy 
pick him up as an easy prize. I may as well say that 
he relies upon captured prisoners for information con- 
cerning the whereabouts of their stronghold. They 
no doubt be willing to trade the knowledge for 
their lives. 

^‘Now, my friends, it is time for us to return. We 
must not delay the expedition one moment longer than 
necessary, and, in fact, I see the commander is impa- 
tient to feel deep water under the keel.” 

At this hint from the kindly old general, the party 
adjourned to the deck, and, after much shaking of 
hands and hearty wishes for success, they entered the 
tug, waiting at the gangway. The Badger’s anchor 
was already at the bow, so in a very few moments that 
stanch and saucy cruiser was driving seaward under 
full speed. The last thing those on board saw as they 
passed out of sight around Son Kee Point was a faint 
breath of steam from the tug’s whistle. The distance 
was too far for sound to carry. 

Mark remained on the bridge until the low sandy 
shore astern was almost lost in the horizon’s misty 
depths, then calling Miller, the third officer, he gave 


50 


THE MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL, 


him a course of south-southeast to steei, and left him 
in charge of the deck. The crew was divided into two 
watches, port and starboard, as on a Government 
cruiser, one-half in each. Watson, the second oflBcer, 
was given charge of the former, and Miller headed the 
latter. 

On his way aft, Merrill ordered the boatswain, a 
shaggy old sea-dog, to pipe all hands to muster, and 
soon the shrill sounds of the whistle was penetrating 
every nook and corner of the ship. Almost before the 
hoarse notes of the boatswain’s voice, trained in years 
upon years of hurricanes, had died away, the crew was 
assembled on the quarter-deck in obedience to their 
3^oung leader’s command. 


CHAPTER IX. 

THE MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL. 

Mark had established man-of-war discipline on 
board the Badger as far as possible. The active mem- 
bers of the crew — that is, those who did not belong to 
the “idler” class, such as iiremen, coal-heavers, cooks 
and servants — were apportioned into three gun divi- 
sions. 

Every man had certain duties to perform around his 
gun, and a certain “station,” as it is called, to report 
to when the crew is ordered to quarters. In the case 
of muster, however, a ceremony when the men are 
called aft for instructions and to answer to their names, 
all on board, except those actually at work sailing the 
ship, crowd around the mainmast, irrespective of rank. 

After receiving a report that all were present, the 
young ensign mounted the companion -hatch, and 


TUB MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL. 


51 


ordered silence. Assembled on both sides of the deck 
was a motley crowed of men, clad in light clothes of no 
particular pattern, but brawny, strong-limbed, and 
hearty featured — 3ust such a crew that would carry 
cunfidence to a naval commander’s heart in sight of the 
enemy. They represented all countries from the hardy 
Celt to the lesser-framed Italian, but Americans pre- 
dominated five to one, and Merrill, as he looked them 
over, quietly and with an experienced eye, felt proud of 
his crew. 

‘‘Men, I have called you aft to at last explain our 
destination, and the object of the cruise,” he began, 
glancing narrowlj^ from one to another, searching for 
possible malcontents, if there be such on board. “You 
siiipped under condition that we would sail with sealed 
orders, to be opened on reaching deep water. We are 
now almost out of soundings, and the time has ar- 
rived.” 

Mark briefly explained the formation of the company, 
and the equipment of the Badger for service against 
the Chinese pirates of the Yellow Sea. He stated their 
belief that an American w’as at their head, and re- 
marked dryly that if such be the case they would be 
able to defeat a worthy foe; then, after promising an 
e<iual share to all of prizes captured, he called for three 
cheers for the company and its daring cruiser. 

They were given with a will, and the men dispersed 
to their various duties, arguing over the news after the 
nmnner of sailors. During the balance of that day 
nothing occurred to mar the commencement of the voy- 
age. The stanch old Badger breasted the waves with 
an ease and lightness speaking well for her seaworthi- 
ness; the engines wwked smoothly, driving her at a 
fourteen-knot gait without apparent effort; the crew 
fell into their several places without friction or trouble, 


52 


THE MTSTEBIOUS SIGNAL. 


and, as Mark paced up and down the quarter-deck with 
Ned, shortly after nightfall, he felt less harassed by the 
cares of responsibility than at any time since leaving 
the Trenton. 

The two young officers walked back and forth, talk- 
ing quietly over the one absorbing topic of conversation 
— the expedition — for an hour, and ever and anon as 
they neared the after rail, they would pause and glance 
toward the far-away shore, now only marked by a faint 
twinkling light, or a blacker smudge against the som- 
ber background of the horizon. 

The evening was calm, there being hardly enough 
breeze to temper the summer heat remaining from a 
tropical day, but there was a “touch” to it which gave 
promise of strength to come, and Mark, learned in the 
meaning of such things, looked more than once at that 
distant quarter from whence it came. 

It was pleasant to stand away aft over the counter 
with back to ship and the sea so close at hand; to feel 
the quiver of the vessel, the soft, tremulous throb of the 
engines, and that easy rise and fall of the deck, like a 
cradle rocked by motherly hands. It was exhilarating 
to note the onward-impulse of the iron fabric, and the 
slant of the hull as an occasional wave would roll 
silently under the streaks. To watch the sparkling 
play of the waters broadening out astern, and the phos- 
phorescent streaks of light darting here and there as 
some denizen of the deep would fly aJffrighted from that 
monstrous shape they could not understand. To Mark 
and Ned this was an old story, but one of which they 
never tired, and when at last the mellow tones of the 
ship’s bell came to their ears, striking the hour of 
eight, followed by a hoarse, long-drawn outcry of 
“All’s wel-1-1,” from the lookouts, they turned reluc- 
tantly and proceeded toward the bridge. 


THE MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL, 


53 


In passing the mainmast, a dark shadow moving up 
the starboard shrouds caught Ned’s eye, and, pointing 
it out to Merrill, he asked if any one had been ordered 
aloft. Even as he spoke the figure passed out of sight 
in the darkness enshrouding the top. Before the ensign 
had time to answer, a peculiar light shone from the 
crosstrees, a faint reddish ray reflecting on the stand- 
ing rigging with momentary gleam, then it faded 
away. 

Mark grasped the middy’s arm. 

‘‘There is treachery afoot !” he whispered hurriedly. 
“Some one is signaling from the maintop.’ See! there 
it goes again!” 

The light suddenly reappeared, but this time it had a 
greenish tinge and lasted slightly longer. Uttering an 
imprecation, Merrill bade the middy watch one side of 
the rigging, and, rushing across the deck, made a 
spring for the futtock shrouds. In his haste his hand 
slipped, and he fell to the deck with a resounding crash. 

Ned immediately jumped to his assistance, but the 
ensign had scrambled erect again, and was standing 
with one arm hanging limp and helpless, when the 
other reached him. 

“Are you hurt, Mark?” asked Gage anxiously. 

“No — I don’t know — bruised my wrist, I guess, but 
don’t mind me. Run forward, and call all hands to 
quarters. Quick! I’ll watch here.” 

Ned darted toward the forecastle at the top of speed, 
but had not gone twenty paces, when he heard the 
sharp report of a revolver from aft. Wheeling around, 
he was just in time to catch the flash of another shot. 
Before the sound had died away, the ensign was at his 
side with the smoking pistol in hand. 

“Look there, overhead !’' cried Merrill, taking aim 
at the figure of a man just dimly visible above them. 


64 


THE MT8TERT0U8 SIGNAL. 


He seemed to be floating in midair, and was moving 
rapidly in a downward direction from the crosstrees 
forward. 

‘‘It’s some one on the mainstay!” exclaimed Gage, 
excitedly. 

At that moment Mark fired again, but no cry came 
from the mysterious target. He had apparently missed, 
and the man, whoever it was, slid over their heads, and 
vanished in the gloom of the forwa':d deck. 

“After him,” shouted Mark; “take the port side, 
Ned. We’ll catch the scoundrel at the foremast.” 
Both ran forward, one in each gangway, and, forcing 
their way through a curious throng that had already 
gathered on deck, met forward of the bridge. 

Looking immediately aloft, they saw nothing save 
the thread-like backstays and delicate tracery of rig- 
ging — their man had disappeared as totally as if the 
sea alongside had ingulfed him. 

“Boatswain, call all hands to quarters,” ordered 
Mark. His words were crisp and stern, and the old 
sailor lost no time in piping the command. There 
was no need to repeat the signal a second time, as the 
excitement had attracted every one to the upper deck. 
While they were tumbling aft, Merrill, accompanied 
by the middy and Dr. Agnew, the young surgeon, who 
had joined them at once, made a thorough search of the 
fore rigging and the forward part of the ship without 
success. 

Calling out to Watson, the second officer, who was 
in charge of the deck, to keep a careful lookout forward, 
Mark walked aft toward the quarter deck, accompanied 
by his companions. On the way he briefly explained ^ 
the affair to Agnew, but would not listen to that med- : 
ical oflScer’s desire to bandage his arm. | 

“There is something more important to attend to J 


THE MYSTERIOUS SIGNAL . 


55 


first, doctor,” he replied abruptly. ‘‘We have rampant 
treason aboard this ship, and it has to be wiped out. 
Ned, send a trusty man aloft to the maintop, and see 
what is there. Pick out three others, and let them 
patrol the berth deck. Give them revolvers from the 
arm chest, with instructions to shoot any skulker or 
suspicious person they find doing anything out of the 
wa}". After you do that, report to me.” 

Gage started away on his errand, and Mark pro- 
ceeded aft. His injured arm hung limp and useless at 
his side, but he still grasped the revolver with the 
other, and there was an air of command and authority 
about him the assembled crew had never seen before. 
Mounting the hatch, he silently received the reports 
from the different gun divisions. 

It was a strange and thrilling sight. Gathered on 
the small expanse of deck w’ere a hundred or more men, 
their faces gleaming grotesquely in the uncertain light 
cast by a few oil lamps swinging overhead. Some 
were clad in ordinary costumes, but the majority ap- 
peared as they came, called on deck by the excitement 
of the hour from their hammocks, the expression of 
wonder still in their eyes. Towering above them was 
the stern , implacable figure of their master, quiet and 
watchful, the pistol grasped loosely but ready for instant 
use. 

For a moment silence reigned unbroken, save by the 
rippling touch of waves against the iron hull, or a 
vagrant wind whistling through the rigging overhead. 
Then Mark spoke. 

“Men, we have shipped a traitor!” he said, raising 
his voice so all could hear. “A traitor who is endeavor- 
ing to imperil this vessel and its crew. He has been 
signaling to some confederate not a half-hour ago, and 
was almost caught in the act. He is probably among 


56 


THE TBATOR IS CAPTURED. 


you now, and I will find him Booner or later. When I 
do — The ensign paused, and pointed to where the 
shadowy outlines of a monkey gaff could be seen aloft. 
The action was well understood. Mark resumed : 

“From now on armed guards, selected by myself, 
will patrol this ship night and day. Their instructions 
will be death! Now, you can go forward, but remem- 
ber what I have said. If any ” 

He was suddenly interrupted by a pistol-shot from 
below, and then before those standing near could re- 
cover from their surprise, the reddish glare of a confla- 
gration illumined the forward deck. 


CHAPTER X. 

THE TRAITOR IS CAPTURED. 

“Fire!” 

The dread word rang out from every throat on that 
crowded deck, when those gathered to muster around 
Mark turned at the pistol-shot and beheld the reddish 
glow leap up from beyond the foremast. A hubbub 
came from forward, sharp cries and oaths, and then two 
reports in quick succession. 

Up on the bridge could be seen, vividly outlined 
against a fierce background of flames, the form* of Wat- 
son, Ihe second officer. He was grappling with some 
one, and the two figures struggled back and forth from 
end to end of the narrow structure in deadly conflict. 

Before those standing aft had recovered from their 
surprise, a second form appeared in view, that of Ned } 
Gage. The middy was observed to run from the deck ' 
ladder, and then for a brief space the three figures were 
intermingled in such a way the watchers could not dis-^? 

I 


THE TRAITOB IS CAPTURED. *57 

tinguish one from the other. It all occupied much less 
time than it takes to describe it, and when the crew 
started forward, headed by Mark, as they did immedi- 
ately, thirty seconds had not elapsed since the firing of 
the first shot. 

Mark Merrill possessed the faculty to command in a 
remarkable degree. He was a good example of the 
Annapolis training, where coolness in action and self- 
possession in emergencies are the cardinal points and 
keystone of their education. 

Clear-headed, self-dependent, the aptitude for reason- 
ing rapidly, all stood him in good stead now, when, at 
the very commencement of the expedition, he was con- 
fronted with an apparent mutiny and the terrifying 
fact that his ship was visited by that dread scourge of 
seafaring men — fire ! 

Leaving his position on the ha^h -cover with a 
bound, he ran toward the bridge and climbed the ladder 
three steps at a time. Following close at his heels were 
the doctor and the third officer, each armed with revol- 
vers. The first thing attracting their notice was Wat- 
son and Gage kneeling on the recumbent figure of a 
man, holding him down by sheer force. A sudden 
spurt of fire flaring up from the lower deck lighted his 
face just then — it was the tall man with the bushy 
whiskers. 

Calling to a number of sailors swarming up the lad- 
der, Mark sternly bade them secure the fellow, and then 
turned his attention to the conflagration. At first ap- 
pearance it seemed as if the whole interior of the 
Badger was a seething mass of fire. The forward 
hatch, situated between the bridge and foremast, acted 
as a flue, belching flame and smoke to the height of 
fifteen feet, and its roaring was plainly discernible in 
every part of the ship. 


58 


THE TRAITOR IS CAPTURED. 


Mark’s heart almost failed him when he looked down 
upon the scene, but it was only a passing emotion, 
gone in an instant. Grasping the speaking-trumpet 
from its hook, he issued orders right and left. 

‘‘All hands save ship! Lead out the fire hose, some 
of you. Cooks and stewards form lines with buckets. 
Close all hatches and ports aft. Lively there, men! 
A month’s pay to the first one turning water on the 
fire!” 

The words, uttered with rapid authority, acted like, 
magic on the crew. From a jostling throng of terror- 
stricken men, huddled about the deck, they became an 
orderly, well-disciplined body obeying his commands as 
soon as given. Headed by the second engineer, a score 
stretched lines of hose from the plugs placed near the 
different hatches; others snatched the fire buckets hung 
under the bridge, and, filling them at a hand-pump on 
the forecastle, passed them rapidly from one to another 
until, reaching the last man, their contents were 
emptied into the hatch. 

Merrill had already signaled the chief engineer to 
start the steam pumps, so by the time the different 
lengths of hose were in place, they were working at 
full pressure. The effect on the fire below was imme- 
diate. The flames died away, and were succeeded by 
dense clouds of steam; then they, too, became thinner, 
and presently all that remained of the conflagration was 
an occasional puff of smoke, or a strong odor of burned 
and charred wood. 

Then, and not until then, did Merrill turn his atten- 
tion to the prisoner captured by Watson and the middy. 
First giving directions to Miller to examine the berth 
deck and hold for traces of fire, he walked over to the 
corner of the bridge where a couple of sturdy seamen 
held the culprit. 


THE TRAITOR IS CAPTURED. 


59 


Several deck lamps had been brought from below, 
and placed so their rays would fall upon the little 
group. There was not much light, but it was sufficient 
to see that the prisoner’s face was pale and distorted by 
fear. He stood between the guards, secured by a rope 
which had been wound around his body and tied to the 
railing. Close by were the surgeon and Ned, while 
Watson stood directly in front, holding a revolver ready 
for instant use. Crowded below, struggling to catch a 
glimpse of the scene, was the major portion of the crew, 
who, relieved from duty at the fire, had now been drawn 
to the bridge. 

Mark stopped in front of the fellow, and, holding a 
lantern close to his face, looked at him sternly for a 
moment. As stated before, it was the tall man with 
the bushy whiskers — the man of Patrick’s story, and 
he whom the ensign had noticed that day in Shanghai, 
when the seven men discharged from an American bark 
had shipped on board the Badger. 

“There was truth in the Irishman’s explanation,” 
thought Merrill, but then his mind reverted to the 
initials on the handkerchief, and he again scrutinized 
the prisoner’s countenance. What he saw there was 
not satisfying, but he dismissed the conjectures called 
forth by the memory, and proceeded with his investiga- 
tion. Turning to Watson, he asked for an explanation 
of the fight on the bridge. 

i “I was standing just in front of the pilot-house 
watching Mr. Gage start below with several men, when 
suddenly a bright light flashed up through the hatch, 
followed immediately by flames and a thick column of 
sm^)ke. The first lieutenant jumped back just in time 
I to escape being burned, and, turning to me, sung out to 
j blow the fire signal on the fog whistle. I had already 
j started back for that purpose, though, and was almost 


60 


THE TRAITOR IS CAPTURED. 


within reach of the rope when some one jumped down 
from the roof of the pilot-house and caught me by the 
throat. I managed to draw my revolver and fired it at 
close quarters, but the fellow squirmed to one side and 
escaped. I got in two more shots with the same results, 
and then Mr. Gage came to my assistance. You know 
the rest.” 

Merrill asked Ned for his version of the affair. The 
middy answered that he had gone to the hatchway with 
several men as ordered, and was just in the act of step- 
ping over the coaming, when a sheet of flame shot up 
almost in his face. He also stated there was a strong 
odor of kerosene present at the time, and that it was his 
opinion some miscreant had started the fire close to the 
ladder with the oil. 

^‘Now, John Blood, if that is your name,” said Mark, 
sternly, addressing the prisoner, who had stood silently 
listening to the testimony with his eyes bent on the 
deck, “what have you to say?” 

The man made no answer. 

“John Blood, answer me, I say!” repeated the 
ensign, in an authoritative voice. “What did you 
mean by displaying that signal light in the maintop? 
for it was undoubtedly you. And then assaulting the 
officer of the watch? If you have any explanation to 
offer, speak; for, understand, I can hang you for mu- 
tiny, if guilty.” 

Still no reply ; no change in the position. The ensign 
waited quietly for a while, and then calling the boat- 
swain, told him to place the prisoner in double irons, 
and have him kept under guard in the chart- room abaft 
the pilot-house. 

His order was promptly obeyed. Producing a pair 
of handcuffs and leg irons, the old sailor soon had 
Blood secured, and led him to the place designated. 


THE TRAITOR IS CAPTURED, 


61 


“That man’s chances for mischief are ended at last,” 
said Mark to Gage, following the culprit with his eyes. 
“He is responsible for much of our trouble, and I think 
he caused the explosion which nearly wrecked the 
Badger.” 

“The fellow is probably one of the pirate leaders, per- 
haps that young chief’s lieutenant,” ventured Ned. 

“He is one of the gang, no doubt; but not that one,” 
corrected Merrill. “The lieutenant is described as a 
young man, not more than twenty-one. However, he is 
a dangerous enemy, and we are extremely fortunate in 
catching him.” 

“He must have had arrangements with some one on 
shore, or on a vessel not far away, about signaling.” 

“I believe it was a deep laid plot to burn the ship,” 
replied Mark gravely. “What worries me is the fear 
that Blood may have confederates on board. In fact, 
I am certain he has, as the man could not fire the berth 
deck and be on the pilot-house at the same time. 
There are undoubtedly several in the scheme, and they 
must have intended burning the Badger, murdering 
some of us, and escaping in a boat sent by their friends. ” 

“You have not sighted any lights in your watch, 
have you?” asked Mark of the second officer, standing 
near by. 

“No, sir; nothing but a small junk creeping inshore, 
which I noticed just before dark.” 

“Ah! that must be the one,” put in Ned, peering 
vainly in the direction of the coast. “It probably 
waited until dark, and then stood toward us without 
showing any lights.” 

The idea was plausible and accepted by the ensign. 
Taking a pair of night-glasses from the wheel-house, he 
searched long and earnestly on all sides, but without 
results. They had, no doubt, become alarmed and 


62 


MARK HOLDS A GOUNCTL. 


Blieered off. Leaving the bridge, Mark went below to 
tlie scene of the fire. 


CHAPTER XL 

MARK HOLDS A COUNCIL, 

The Badger’s engines had been stopped by orders 
from Mr. Watson just as soon as the fire had broken 
out. One of the imperative rules governing fire in- 
structions at sea is the immediate stoppage of the ship’s 
way. This is to check the draught naturally increased 
by the vessel’s motion. 

As there was very little sea on, the cruiser did not 
labor to any great extent, simply rolling from side to 
side in the never-ceasing swell, so Merrill concluded to 
make an examination of the damages below before get- 
ting under way again. If they proved serious enough 
to warrant it he would be compelled to steam back to 
Shanghai. 

With this idea in mind, he passed down the fore- 
hatch accompanied by Ned, the other officers off duty, 
and several deck hands carrying lanterns. Luckily, 
the companion ladders were of iron, so they still re- 
mained intact. A short examination of the coamings 
showed they had escaped injury, too, being also con- 
structed of the same metal. On reaching the berth- 
deck, as that part of the ship where the men swing their 
hammocks is called, they found the planking surround- 
ing the hatch leading to the hold charred, and in some 
spots almost eaten through by the flames. 

A strong odor of coal oil still lingered in the com- 
partment, an evidence of the incendiary’s work, and 
almost hidden under the shadows of the ladder a dis- 
colored fragment of tin showed that a can must have 


MABK HOLDS A COUNCIL. 


63 


been stolen from the lamp room. Four or five half- 
consumed canvas hammocks belonging to the watch be- 
low were strewn about the deck, and washing back and 
forth in the several inches of water remaining from the 
deluge that had been poured below was a mess-chest, 
its contents of tinware making a discordant din as it 
rattled about. 

Mark felt vastly relieved when he saw that the dam- 
age was comparatively slight. A few new planks and 
a coat of paint represented the sum total of repairs 
needed. This could be easily done en route, so, return- 
ing to the upper deck, he gave immediate orders to re- 
sume the voyage. The boatswain set a gang to work 
swabbing and drjfing out below, the refuse was cleared 
away and disposed of, and soon the ship resumed its 
normal condition. 

We will take a look at the prisoner first,” remarked 
the ensign to Ned, as they left the hatch. “Then I 
want you to tell Mr. Watson and the doctor to come 
with you to my room as soon as possible. I think it is 
best to get their views concerning this affair. The sit- 
uation is more grave than I care to acknowledge. Some 
radical measures must be taken at once, or we will meet 
with failure; that is certain,” 

On reaching the chart room they found two stalv/art 
seamen armed with rifles guarding the sides. The 
temporary prison was simply a continuation of the pilot- 
house, divided by a transverse bulkhead, and contain- 
ing a couple of chairs and a table. Two small doors 
gave ingress, one opening on each side. The only 
window was situated in the after partition, overlooking 
the engine-room deck-house. 

Securing the keys from the officer of the Vatch, Mark 
opened the starboard door and looked in. Blood had 
evidently been seated, but, on hearing the noise, he 


64 


MARK HOLDS A COUNCIL. 


arose to his feet. By the aid of a small hand lamp, 
Merrill saw that his face was still pale, but there was a 
dogged resolution present there which offered little hope 
for information. The ensign resolved to try an experi- 
ment — that of kindness. 

‘‘Have you changed jour mind yet about speaking?*’ 
he asked mildly. 

No answer. 

“Now see here, John,” continued Merrill, piacmg 
his hand on the other’s shoulder, “there is still a 
chance for you. I have it in my power to hang you as 
a mutineer at once. But, if you will answer several 
questions truthfully, I may be able to do something in 
the matter. What do you say?” 

The man sullenly shook off the hand, and, turning 
away, walked toward the window without deigning to 
reply. The experiment was a failure, and further 
words utterly useless. Realizing this, Mark stepped 
out of the room and locked the door. 

“It won’t work, Ned. I was willing and almost 
anxious to spare his life, but I cannot do it now. 
The man is determined to die rather than reveal any- 
thing. It would be the height of folly to let the chance 
pass of teaching his confederates a lesson. Arrange to 
have the guard changed at ten, and put only men 
known to be trustworthy at the duty. Then come 
below with those I told you.” 

Leaving the middy to carry out his orders, Merrill 
passed aft and stood near the hatch for a moment before 
descending. It was near four bells, or ten o’clock. 
The night had grown darker, owing to a dense mass of 
clouds covering the sky, and an occasional gleam of 
lightning, fitful in duration, seen now and then, por- 
tended a change/of weather. 

The wind had also risen slightly — hardly enough to 


MARK HOLDS A COUNCIL. 


65 


be noticed, but stronger than before. An occasional 
swash of water against the side caused Mark to glance 
over, and he saw a perceptible sea forming, already glit- 
tering with white caps. To an inexperienced person 
this would have meant nothing, but the ensign’s prac- 
ticed eye read signs not to be disregarded. 

Placing a small whistle to his lips, he sounded a call 
which was instantly obeyed. Lumbering aft came the 
boatswain, peering about in the darkness for the com- 
mander. Beckoning him over, Merrill ordered the 
old sailor to see everything secured about decks, the 
smokestack guys tautened, and all stays examined 
at once. 

While giving these instructions, Ned, accompanied 
by the surgeon and Watson, came up, and the party 
adjourned to Merrill’s room. Taking seats around the 
center table, they proceeded to business. Mark briefly 
explained the object of the council, and asked their 
opinion, addressing himself to Watson first. 

“To tell the truth,” began the second officer, “I 
think the situation rather grave; in fact, serious. There 
is no judging how many of the crew are under pay of 
the pirates, or ‘looters,’ as Ave call them in the mer- 
chant serAuce. There may be only one more beside this 
man Blood, and then again, there may be a dozen, or 
even tAventy. Didn’t he ship with others after being 
discharged from a bark, Mr. Merrill?” 

“Yes; and had good papers, too,” replied the en- 
sign, glancing at a muster-roll on his desk. “He came 
with six seamen, all of whom are still on board.” 

“They will bear watching,” remarked Gage. “Who 
knows, maybe they have been tampered Avith also.” 

“Very probable,” coincided Merrill. 

His face took on an anxious expression, and he 
walked up and down the center of the cabin for a mo- 


66 


MABK HOLDS A COUNCIL, 


ment without speaking. Then, stopping in front of the 
others, he said in emphatic tones : 

“Gentlemen, we must do something at once to settle 
this matter, or else return to Shanghai, and confess the 
expedition a failure.” Bringing his hand down with 
a bang on the table, he suddenly exclaimed : “That I 
will never do! No; not if I hang half my crew for 
mutiny!” 

His resolute declaration met with the approval of all. 
Each thoroughly understood the desperate situation 
they were placed in. With considerably more than 
one hundred men forward, any one of whom might be 
pledged to bring disaster on the ship and death to the 
officers, yet they felt with their young commander that 
to steam back to the bund before hardly losing sight of 
land would be disgrace indeed. 

“It will require eternal vigilance to watch them all,” 
said Dr. Agnew, who had hitherto remained silent. 
“But there are eight of us aft, including the chief engi- 
neer and his two assistants, who can be relied upon. 
By carrying revolvers, and keeping our eyes^open, we 
can feel reasonably secure.” 

“Oh, there are quite a number forward who may be 
trusted, I think!” added Ned. “The boatswain and 
several others seem to me to be honest.” 

“Yes, no doubt, but it is the uncertainty of the 
thing,” exclaimed Mark, rather bitterly. “It is the 
constant suspicion that everj^ man you meet on deck 
may be secretly in league with the enemy, that tries 
one. If you know your foe, you can face him with 
good heart, but this constant espionage is not to my 
liking. However, we will have to let things go as 
they are, and await developments.” 

“Well, we have captured one, anyway,” remarked 
Watson, with satisfaction. “I never did Ijke the ap- 


[ f tM. f 


MARK HOLDS A COUNCIL. 


67 


pearance of that man Blood. He reminds me of those 
old pictures of Bluebeard, the buccaneer who lived in 
St. Thomas, where his castle still stands on one of the 
hills covered by the town.” 

‘‘What do you intend doing with him, sir?” asked 
the surgeon of Merrill. 

“That is one of the questions I wished to consult you 
about,” replied Mark earnestly. “He has been guilty 
of mutiny, and assaulting an officer, And should be 
punished for it. The man is utterly impervious to ap- 
peal, and acts as if he gloats in his evil. I have tried 
to get him to speak, but entirely without success ; he 
simply holds his tongue; that’s all.” 

“It is a good opportunity to show the crew an ex- 
ample,” suggested Watson. 

Mark glanced at him, and slowly nodded his head. 
He understood the second officer’s meaning, and, al- 
though loath to take life in any case, he saw the im- 
perative need of it now. It might serve to restrain 
others from a like fate. 

“Now, gentlemen,” he said, solemnly, “I wish to 
ask you, what shall we do with John Blood, the pris- 
oner captured to-night while at mutiny against his 
superior officers? You understand the case — I will say 
no more. Shall we keep him confined during the 
cruise, or inflict the extreme penalty? Imprisonment 
or death?” 

There was a short silence, then each one of those 
present exclaimed as with one voice : 

“Death !” 


68 


MARK MEKTti WITH AN ACCIDENT. 


CHAPTER XII. 

MARK MEETS WITH AN ACCIDENT. 

The resolution of the council had not been reached 
without due consideration. Each and every member 
felt grave responsibility resting upon himself as well as 
a whole, but the peculiar nature of the case admitted of 
no alternative. John Blood, able seaman on the pri- 
vate cruiser Badger, would have to pay the penalty of 
his crime. 

It was decided that on the following morning at 
quarters their decision should be made public, and the 
execution carried out at sunset of the same day. As 
nothing further could be done that night, the party left 
the cabin. During the past half-hour certain uneasy 
motions of the hull and an occasional roll greater than 
usual had caused the ensign to glance involuntarily at 
the barometer suspended on the cabin wall. 

It had fallen slightly between sunset and the council 
meeting, but the last observation revealed the unwel- 
come fact that it was now taking a decided drop. They 
were sailing in latitudes where typhoons, the bugbear 
of navigators, were frequent, especially at that season 
of the year. 

Accompanied by Ned — the second officer and the 
doctor had retired to their rooms — Mark went on deck. 
Each had armed himself with a couple of revolvers, 
which were carried Iposely in the side pockets of their 
coats, and the ensign buckled on his sword, more for 
moral effect than for use. 

The hatch hoods had been hauled over the after com- 
panionway, so it was not until they stepped out on 
deck that the bad state of the weather became apparent. 
The change that had taken place in a short time was 


MAJRK MPJBTS WITH AN ACCIDENT. 


09 


.surprising. From an apparently calm and peaceful 
night it had turned into ^stormy, howling gale, with 
raging seas constantly growing worse, and a sullen 
black look to windward, which promised ill for several 
hours at least. 

Seeing Anthracite, the negro steward, huddled under 
the lee of the mainmast, Mark sent him down for their 
rubber coats, and then led the way forward. While 
passing the engine-room hatch, they glanced below. 
Everything seemed to be working smoothly; the 
mighty throb of the machinery came with undeviating 
regularity, and from beneath their feet a distant clang 
of iron and the scraping of shovels indicated all well in 
that quarter. 

The sailors of the watch scattered about decks were 
swathed in oilskins and south westers, and seemed to be 
prepared to meet any weather. They all saluted 
civilly enough as the commander passed them, a cere- 
mony he acknowledged in each case. On reaching the 
bridge, the third officer w- as seen standing at the star- 
board end, looking sea ward. He had the night-glass, 
and was slowly sweeping the horizon, which, to the un- 
aided eye, seemed only an opaque wall of gloom. 
Joining him, Mark asked if anything had been sighted. 

‘A. am not sartin, sir,’’ replied Miller, continuing his 
search. ‘‘A while back I thought as how I had seed a 
light over thar about two p’ints for’d of the stabbo’rd 
beam. It w^as only.fur a moment, an’ then died away 
ag’in. I might ha’ been mistook.” 

Taking the glass, Mark looked long and carefully in 
the direction indicated, but without success. The im- 
penetrable wall contained nothing but blackness, not 
even the horizon being visible. 

“It may have been a star shining through a tempo- 
rary rift in the clouds, Jeff,” remarked the ensign, re- 


ro 


MABK MEETS WITH' AN ACCIDENT, 


tiimiDg the glass. “But 3^ou had better keep your eye 
in that direction during your watch; there is no telling 
what neighbors we may have in these seas. What do 
you think of the weather?” 

The experienced seaman squinted aloft and to wind- 
ward, then sniffed the breeze for a moment before re- 
plying. Shaking his head slowly, he said ; 

“Looks kinder typhoonish, don’t it? Still it might 
blow over. You can’t allue cal’late in these latitudes 
what the wind’s a-going to bring. I was out here once 
in a ’Merican full-rigger called the Flying Scud. 
You’ve no doubt hearn tell of her. She’s the clipper 
what made the fastest time from Hongkong to ’Frisco 
afterward. Captain Gressy was her skipper, an’ he 
beat anything I ever saw fur carryin’ sail. Lor’ bless 
3’ou ! I honestly believe that man ’ud set stun’ sails in 
a gale jest as soon as not. The vi’ge I’m a-speaking 
of, we left Woosung jest about this time o’ year, an’ 
the first night out it commenced to blow a leetle at first, 
an’ then all of a sudden a typhoon struck us on the 
quarter. Say! I’ve been in some tall weather, but I 
never seed the beat of that. Seas? My stars! the 
name don’t mean nothing. I swear that in twenty 
minutes they reached higher’n that main truck. Big* 
mountains with white crests to ’em that would blow off 
an’ hit you a slap as would knock the breath out o’ 
ye every time. An’ the wind; why it jest roared, an’ 
howled, an’ blew till the deck was shaved as clean as a 
baby’s face. Galley, deck-houses, scuttle-butts, an’ all 
flew to lee’ard as if they had wings. It didn’t last 
more than five hours, but in them five hours I lived a 
year, I tell you. We had to put back to Shanghai, 
an’ ” 

How much longer the garrulous third officer would 
have spun his yarn is not know^n, but just at that part 


MARK MEETS WITH AN ACCIDENT 


1 


V 


of his speech a careless turn of the wheel brought the 
Badger broadside on the sea, and a huge wave struck 
her with thunderous force squarely amidships. 

The power of the blow was terrific. The stanch ship 
reeled like a drunken man, and quiveted from stem to 
stern. A column of water thirty feet high spurted over 
the bulwark railing up on the bridge, sweeping it witli 
resistless force, and then crashed on the deck in tor- 
rents. 

Ned, who happened to be in the pilot-house at the 
time examining a chart, was knocked prostrate and 
rolled to leeward. But he soon regained his feet, and, 
rushing to the wheel, aided the helmsman in bringing 
the imperiled vessel before the wind once more. This 
maneuver was performed so quickly that only one wave 
boarded the Badger; a fortunate thing, as one more 
would have sent her to the bottom. Hastily cautioning 
the man at the wheel to keep her steady on his life, the 
middy ran out on the bridge to see what damage had 
been created. 

To his consternation he saw that the narrow length 
of grating was empty. Where he had left Mark and 
the third officer standing on the starboard side was now 
vacancy — they had disappeared. 

A water-soaked object tightly jammed against one of 
the stanchions caught his eye. He quickly picked it 
up. It was Mark’s uniform cap, a mute but eloquent 
messenger of disaster. 

Dropping it with a groan, Ned called out his friend’s 
name at the top of his voice, but a mocking shriek from 
the gale showed him the futility of it, and he stood 
horror-stricken and helpless for a moment. He was 
tempted to stop the engines and lower a boat, but one 
glance at the raging sea, furious with white crested 
waves and hills and valleys of tumbling water, re- 


MARK MEETS WITH AN ACCIDENT. 


vealed the folly. No small craft, however strong, could , 
have remained afloat. 

Two round cork life-preservers were lashed to the 
bridge railing. JjThese Gage cut loose, and flung with 
all the strength of his arms far over the side. He then 
turned toward the pilot-house, intending to signal the 
engineer to stand by for wearing ship, as every second 
was carrying them farther away from the spot where 
the catastrophe occurred. 

He also resolved to heave to until morning, hoping 
against hope that they could be picked up. Heaving ; 
to meant to bring the ship’s head to wind, a dangerous 5 
move under the state of the weather. The peril can.e i 
from the necessity of lying in the trough of the sea 
while swinging around, thus being exposed to the full 
force of the waves. It is a maneuver only resorted to 
in cases of dire necessity, and onl} the possibility of ^ 
rescuing his friend would cause Ned to risk it. 

Noticing the boatswain of the watch pass out from 
under the bridge, Ned ordered him to send below for 
Mr. Watson, and prepare for heaving to.' At that mo- ■ 
ment the middy was standing amidships close to the 
forward I’ailing. Hearing what seemed to be a hoarse 
cry, ho vrheeled around and saw a man’s head showing 
above the gunwale of the sailing launch, a large boat 
swung to perpendicular davits over the starboard net- 
ting, and just abaft the bridge. Running hastily to the 
side, Gage reached there just in time to see Jeff Miller 
crawl out and stagger toward him. 

His face was pale, and a red streak on the side of his 
head showed that he had been injured. He walked 
with difficulty, grasping the rail with unsteady hands, 
and seemed as if about to fall from sheer exhaustion. 
Breathing heavily, he turned to the middy, and, point- 
ing over his shoulder, gasped : 


MABK MEETS WITH AN ACCIDENT. 


73 


“Mr, Merrill! he’s — he’s in the boat, unconscious. 
Hurry! have him taken out, or it’ll be too 1-late!” 

Ned did not wait to hear the last. The third oflScer’s 
gesture and his mention of the ensign’s name was 
enough. Climbing over the canvas guard, he grasped 
the end of the boat-falls, and hauled himself up to the 
edge of the launch hand over hand. There, lying in 
the bottom, half-covered with water, was Mark, in 
imminent danger of being drowned by the rolling of 
the ship. 

It was but the work of a moment to drag him on a 
seat. Then, holding him secure, Gage called for as- 
sistance. By that time Mr. Watson had obeyed 
the boatswain’s summons, and was passing forward on 
the starboard side. Hearing the 'middy’s voice, he ran 
up on the bridge, and took in the situation at a glance. 
Willing hands quickly removed Merrill to a place of 
safety, where the doctor saw him and applied restora- 
tives. After several minutes of constant effort, he was 
restored to consciousness and sat up weak and trem- 
bling, but able to greet his friends with a smile of grati- 
tude. 

In the meantime Jeff Miller had recovered sufficiently 
to explain how they had been swept off the bridge into 
the launch. When the gigantic wave struck the 
Badger the shock threw them off their feet, and they 
were instantly carried away by the inrush of water, 
landing with a terrible crash in the boat to leeward. 
The blow was sufficient to render them unconscious. 
Jeff was the first to regain his senses. He tried to drag 
the ensign out of danger, but it was too much for his 
strength, so he managed to reach the bridge by a super- 
human effort, and notified Ned Gage. 

Dr. Agnew advised Mark to rest until morning, but 
the young commander insisted that he was fit for duty. 


74 


A JUA^K. 


and, after drinking a cup of hot coffee brouglit by his 
faithful steward, Anthracite, again resumed charge of 
the ship just in time to learn a most startling fact. 


CHAPTER XIII. 

A MYSTERIOUS JUNK. 

The storm had not revealed any sign of abatement. 
The wind was still blowing from the same quarter, but 
it now came in fierce gusts, causing the well -chocked 
masts to strain at their fastenings, and tauten the stays 
and preventer-braces until they cracked again and 
again. The sea had changed slightly and swept in 
long, unbroken rollers with a lift to them that sent the 
Badger up and down the mountain of water like a 
cork. 

But one thing noticeable was the fact that the gale 
was not increasing, simply holding its own with a sta- 
tionary barometer An occasional flash of lightning to 
windward, sharp and vivid, proclaimed an unsettled 
state, but whether for better or worse remained to be 
proven. 

Mark’s first duty was to see what damage the wave 
had caused. Accompanied by Ned and the boatswain, 
he made a hasty inspection of the deck. On the port 
or exposed side a section of the bulwark rail had been 
carried away, broken sheer off from the iron plating 
beneath as if hewn with a broadax. It was a minor 
loss, and easily replaced. But on glancing above they 
saw that the first cutter, a boat slightly smaller than 
the launch, had been torn clean from the davits and 
hurled in fragments against the chart-room door, crush- 
ing it in like paper. 


A MT8TEBI0U8 JUNK. 


75 


*‘By Jove! the prisoner!’* exclaimed Merrill, looking 
at Ned. 

Without waiting for a reply they both ran up on the 
bridge and peered through the wreck of the door into 
the little room. 

It was empty ! 

“Where are the guards?” asked the ensign quickly. 

They, too, had disappeared, although one must have 
been sheltered on tbe lee side of the house. 

“Boatswain,” called out Mark over the bridge rail- 
ing, “pass the word for Seamen Brown and Daly; and 
then have the ship searched for John Blood, the pris- 
oner. He has escaped and is secreted somewhere on 
board.” 

Turning to Gage, he requested hipi to conduct the 
search in person, and without delay. 

‘ ‘ Make it thorough, ’ ’ added the ensign. ‘ ‘ Commence 
forward there, and closely examine any place it is pos- 
sible for a man to hide in. We cannot permit that 
scoundrel to remain at large one minute longer than 
necessary. If you see anything of Brown or Daly, 
send them to me at once.” 

The middy departed on his errand, accompanied by 
Miller, whe had volunteered to assist him. Mr. Wat- 
son assumed charge of the watch again, it being near 
twelve o'clock, bis hour for relieving. Merrill paced 
up and down with the second officer discussing, the 
eventful occurrences of that night, while waiting for 
Gage to finish his quest and report results. The disap- 
pearance of the prisoner and his guards caused Mark an 
anxiety he could not conceal. The desperate nature of 
the man, his bold and fearless attempts to bring disaster 
on the expedition, and his sullen demeanor on being 
questioned, showed plainly the danger of allowing 
him to communicate with the crew. And especially 


A MFSTJ^Ji^IOiriS JUXK, 


i D 

when there was every reason to believe that others be- 
side him were undoubtedly in the pay of the pirates. 
Without their ringleader, which Blood probably was, 
there would hardly be a systematic attempt made to 
wreck the ship. Merrill had reasoned thus far when 
Ned joined him. One look at the middy’s face re- 
vealed defeat. 

“If that fellow is in this ship he must be in the doc- 
tor’s pill- box, because I have searched everywhere 
else,” exclaimed Gage, emphatically. “Miller and I 
and four men have been in every compartment and 
locker above the berth-deck. There are some places 
down below, such as the magazines, etc., which I 
couldn’t get into. You must have put the keys away ; 
they are not in yoyr room on the hook.” 

“Why, I left them there only a few hours ago,” re- 
plied Mark in surprise. “ We will have to see into it.” 

“ I posted sentries at all the hatches, ” continued Ned ; 
“overhauled the engine room and coal bunkers, sent a 
man aloft in both tops, and even looked in your room, 
but not a hair of him or Daly could we find.” 

“Where is Brown?” asked Merrill, quickly noticing 
tlie omission of his name. 

“Down below, nursing a sprained arm on the berth- 
deck. He says he was on the windward side of the 
chart room when that wave struck us, and was knocked 
silly, as he expressed it. The water carried him clear 
off the gratings on to the fire-room hatch. He felt so 
frightened and excited at the time that he crawled 
below out of sight.” 

“Humph ! was he trying to hide when you saw him?” 

“No; simply lying on the deck under the ham- 
mock.” 

“What did he say when you asked about the pris- 
oner?” 


A MYSTERIOUS JUNK. 


;7 

“He looked blackly at me for awhile, and then ap- 
peared scared. I hardly think he had anything to do 
with the affair.” 

“Perhaps not,” replied Merrill. “But it is very 
queer where Daly and Blood could have gone to. The 
former was well protected by the bulkheads, and as for 
the prisoner, he could have only received a wetting. 
No; they must be aboard somewhere. Anyway, it is 
not probable the guard jumped overboard, even if Blood 
did. We will have to keep a close watch until da}"- 
light, and then organize a systematic search. He ma}^ 
be down in the hold hidden by some confederates be- 
hind boxes, or barrels. We will break it out io-mor- 
row.” 

As he finished speaking eight bells sounded forwar(\ 
and the boatswain’s whistle piping the watch on deck, 
came to their ears. It was midnight. Neither had 
touched their bunks yet, and Gage advised Mark to 
turn in for a few hours’ rest, a suggestion the ensign 
felt inclined to follow. The accident, while not leav- 
ing any serious results, had caused his head to ache 
violently, and a short sleep might aid it. 

Before going below he took another look at the 
weather. The sky was still apparently overcast, but 
away off to windward a faint strip of water, gleaming 
almost white, in contrast with that around it, could be 
seen. It indicated a break overhead, too far distant to 
be observed from the ship. 

There seemed to be longer intervals between the 
gusts of wind, also, and their force was not so strong. 

It could still be called a gale, but one with some ap- 
pearance of ceasing before many hours, when calmer 
weather might be expected. 

Taking the binocle, Mark swept the horizon in search 
of possible neighbors. The Badger pitched heavily, 


8 


A MYSTERIOUS JUJS^K. 


aud it was no easy task to steady the glass, but he 
managed after a while to cover every spot except di- 
rectly abreast of the ship. There a dark smudge, 
barely perceptible, came into tihe field, instantly at- 
tracting his attention. 

‘‘By Jove! I believe I see a vessel over there, Ned,” 
be exclaimed. “Look just off the beam. Here, use 
this glass.” 

The middy glanced in the direction indicated, then 
w^heeling around, replied quickly: 

“You are right, as sure as guns. lean make her out 
without any trouble. I wonder — ” Not stopping to 
finish his remark he looked again, this time more care- 
fully. Without removing his eyes from the object, he 
continued: “It must be heading this way, Mark, as I 
can see her more plainly every minute. It’s a junk.” 

He returned the instrument to Merrill, who immedi- 
ately focussed the object of their attention. It was cer- 
tainly nearer, and, as the middy had said, a Chinese 
junk. He could distinguish the strange shape of 
the hull with its lofty stern and forecastle, the 
curved bulwarks sweeping down toward the waist, the 
two clumsy masts supporting their single yards, the 
ribbed sails of matting, double reefed at the fore, and, 
just diml}' visible in the darkness, a crowd of beings on 
the poop-deck. They were evidently steering a course 
Avhich would bring them across the bow of the Badger, 
and probably too near for comfort. 

Mark involuntarily glanced at the starboard running 
light, supported in a framework above the bridge’s end 
rail. It was burning bright and clear, sending a 
greenish tinge seaward. 

“Ahoy, the lookout!” he shouted through the 
trumpet to the man in the little cage halfway up the 
foremast. 


4 MYSTERIOUS JUNK. 


79 


“Ay, ay, s r!” came the reply faintly. 

“Is the masthead light plainly visible?” 

“Yes, sir; it is well trimmed, sir.” 

Satisfied that every signal was in good order on the 
Badger, Mark resolved to let the stranger, who had 
shown no light as yet, approach a trifle closer and then 
edge away himself. The rules of navigation strictly 
allow the right of way to sailing ships, directing that 
craft under steam power must change their course first. 
But the ensign wished to see more of the junk if possi- 
ble. He shrewdly connected it with the attempt at 
signaling that night, and communicated his idea to 
Watson, who stood near by. 

“It is not improbable,” he added. “Of course we 
have traveled some distance since then, but in a breeze 
like this one, one of those junks could easily keep pace 
wflth us. We haven’t been making more than nine 
knots under our bare poles. What did she log the last 
time?” 

“Eight and a quarter, sir.” 

“That is still less. No, it is entirely possible for 
that vessel to have been our neighbor since last even- 
ing. I remember Mr. Miller noticed a sail close in- 
shore just about dark. Then he told me he saw the 
glimmer of a light a few minutes before he and I met 
with the accident. To my mind she is following us.” 

“What do you suppose is their object?” asked Ned. 

“Blood’s mates on board are naturally unaware of 
Lis detection and are awaiting for a prearranged 
signal,” replied Mark, still watching the junk. “That 
is my opinion. Of course we don’t know what they 
mean to do, nor, in fact, are we sure that it is not some 
peaceful trader, but I think they will bear watching.” 


80 


A S2AIiTLmG DISCOVERT, 


CHAPTER XIV. 

A startling discovery. 

Gage and Watson quite agreed with the ensign’s last 
remark. The night’s adventui^s naturally made them 
suspicious, and they scanned the strange craft with un- 
friendly eyes. At the middy’s suggestion a long 
hoarse blast was given from the steam foghorn, and a 
red portfire burned on the bridge. 

It produced an immediate effect. 

By the ruddy glare of the light they saw a commo- 
tion on board the junk. Several men rushed from the 
poop-deck to the waist, the clumsy foresail was brailed 
up in a hurry, the steersman shoved frantically on his 
rude wooden helm, and, slowly falling off before the 
wind, she swayed and rocked on the tumultuous seas 
until, hy a final effort, they got her on the other tack. 

It was hardly what Mark desired. He would have 
been better satisfied if they had approached closer still, 
but it was too late for regTets. The junk was fast be- 
ing dropped astern by her own inaction and the 
Badger’s speed. 

Suddenly a vivid flash of lightning illumined the 
scene for one brief moment — a bright glare which 
brought out with wonderful distinctness every detail of 
the strange fabric. At that moment Mark happened to 
be looking through the glass for a last view, and he 
saw hy the powerful instrument two persons standing 
aft near the stern. Then all was darkness again. But 
what the young commander had observed caused him 
to turn quickly to the middy and exclaim, with a touch 
of triumph in his voice : 

“I thought I was right, Ned; that tell-tale flash re- 


A STARTLING DISCOVERT. 


81 


vealed their true character. She beloDgs to the pirate 
fleet!’’ 

‘‘Why, what makes you so positive?” replied Gage, 
surprised. 

“I just noticed two acquaintances on board. The 
Chinese porter, Ah Foy, was one of them.” 

“And the other?” 

“Our man of the restaurant in the bund; he whom 
we saw leaving the alcove room that day you had the 
card translated for me. In fact — the leader of these 
people.” 

“You don’t mean to say you saw that fellow on board 
of her?” asked Ned incredulously. 

“Yes; the same one. As luck would have it, I was 
looking straight in his direction when the flash came. 
I know I am not mistaken, his face was as plain as 
yours would be now if it was daylight.” 

“His countenance should be a very familiar one to 
be able to recognize it under such circumstances,” the 
middy persisted, still unconvinced. 

“Perhaps it is,” replied Merrill quietly. 

Gage did not speak for awhile, then he said, in a 
tone he tried to make unconcerned : 

“Well, Mark, I suppose you will tell me who you 
think that man is, all in good time. ” 

“Have patience, Ned. I will let you know when I 
am positive myself,” answered the ensign gravely. “I 
am almost certain I know him, but not quite. If I am 
mistaken, then no harm is done. Am I not right?” 

“Perfectly, old boy. I don’t blame you for not 
wishing to bring discredit upon a man’s name. It’s 
just like you, and I beg your pardon for my thought- 
less curiosity.” 

Mark put his hand on the young midshipman’s shoul- 
der in recognition of his manly speech. They were 


83 


A STARTLING DISCOVERY. 


true friends and understood each other. A superfluity 
of words was not necessary. 

By this time the junk had entirely disappeared ; faded 
away in the darkness as if it never existed. The unex- 
pected discovery of the chief and Ah Foy on board bad 
offered a new problem to the Badger’s youthful com- 
mander. He had started out to search for the Chinese 
looters and to break up their nefarious business, and 
here, almost within hailing distance was their apparent 
leader on what would probable prove to be one of their 
junks. It seemed too good a chance to let slip. 

Mark stood looking out to sea, conning over the sub- 
ject. He felt like changing his course and steaming 
after them until morning; then settling the matter 
quickly under his guns. But then, what if it would 
prove a mistake? Supp .se he had been deceived by 
some fancied resemblance, highly possible under such 
conditions, and ascertain, after all his trouble and loss 
of time, that they were merely merchantmen having as 
much right to the sea as he. It would be a bitter pill 
to swallow. 

Then again, on what grounds could he capture this 
leader and Ah Foy? Was it a crime to deliver or re- 
ceive notes in a public restaurant? Or to sail along the 
coast at night? Would the judges condemn them 
simply because he, Mark Merrill, had certain suspicions 
concerning the prisoners? Hardly ! 

What says the old saw? “He who hesitates is lost.” 

And so it proved. The ensign wavered, and then 
concluded to continue the vo^^age without delay. On 
such decisions does fate rule. If he bad decided differ- 
ently, mayhap this story would not have been written. 

After forming this resolution, Merrill, who really 
needed rest and sleep, left Ned in general charge, with 
permission to lie down in the pilot-house, and then 


A STABTLIJSrG DISCOVERY. 


83 


went to his room. He gave strict instructions to be 
eddied at daylight, if nothing occurred before. 

The ensign slumbered soundly, notwithstanding the 
weight of care on his mind, and when Anthracite 
kiiocked at the cabin door, he had to beat a vigorous 
tattoo on the wooden partition before receiving an an- 
swer. After a refreshing tub and a light breakfast, 
Merrill went on deck, his routine for the day already 
mapped out. 

He was pleased at seeing that a decided change had 
taken place in the weather. The sky overhead was one 
stretch of azure, with not a cloud to mar its beauty. 
Aw^ay on the eastern horizon, the sun w^as showing a 
fiery rim above the clear, sparkling line of blue mark- 
ing the ocean’s boundary, a never failing promise of 
fair and generous winds in those latitudes. It had al- 
ready commenced to blow, but not from the same quar- 
ter as the storm. The breeze had shifted to the other 
beam and came laden with a smell of the land, wJaich 
could be still distinguished, but now’ only a faint nar- 
row ribbon, requiring a second look to carry conviction 
of its existence. The junk was not in sight. 

The watch was hard at w’ork, washing decks. Some 
were on the forecastle, some in the waist and others 
scrubbing the quarter deck near where he stood. This 
was a daily job when weather permitted, and the 
copious use of salt water and holystones by the brawny 
men soon rendered the deck as white as the foam along- 
side. 

Mark w’atched the men at their task, and was glad to 
see the vim with which they worked. They w^ere light- 
hearted and joked among themselves in a manner which 
raised the spirits of the young ensign. Surely there 
was little sign of treachery in the hearts of these 
sailors. A wizen-faced Irishman, with the bronzed. 


84 


A STAIiTLIJSrG DISCO VEBF. 


leathern-skinned appearance resulting from many years 
of exposure to old ocean’s boisterous moods, was pump- 
ing away near by, to the tune of a rollicking ditty. He 
raised one hand in awkward salutation, and said: 
“Good marnin’, sor,” as the commander passed. It 
was a simple incident, but meant much to Merrill, who 
had retired a few hours before, with a heart full of dis- 
trust and suspicion. 

He greeted Ned cheerily on reaching the bridge, and, 
seeing that young man’s heavy eyes, sent him. below 
for a few hours’ rest, with secret instructions to An- 
thracite to not call him until the afternoon. In the 
enthusiasm of his new duties Gage had spurned even 
the thought of sleep, but tired Nature claimed her dues 
as soon as he touched the bunk. 

After the men had eaten breakfast, Mark ordered the 
main hold broken out, setting Miller to that task. 
Sending for Dr, Agnew he requested him to take four 
men and the steward and search the after cabins from 
end to end for John Blood and his supposed confederate, 
Daly. 

“Don’t leave a stone unturned, doctor,” he added. 
“Take your time and examine every nook and corner. 
Better carry your weapons handy; you may need them. 
By the way, when you go aft, call down the engine- 
room hatch and tell Mr. Cranke, the chief engineer, 
that I wish to speak with him on the bridge.” 

The official was not long in obeying the* summons. 
He was a tall, dark man, of Scotch descent, and taciturn 
in manner. His strict attention to duty made him a 
byword on the ship, and, in fact, he' seldom left his 
department long enough to become acquainted with his 
shipmates. However, the social part of his nature did 
not bother Mark; that astute young man looked more 
to his trustworthiness and professional knowledge. 


A STARTLING DISCO VERY. 


85 


Merrill gave him directions similar to those he had 
given the surgeon, but concerning only the engine- 
room, fire-room and the coal-bunkers. It was his in- 
tention to settle, once for all, the perplexing question of 
the men’s disappearance. Leaving Watson [in charge 
of the deck he went below to give a personal super- 
vision to the quest. 

Miller had already begun on his task. With the aid 
of a block and tackle, he was whipping out the various 
casks and boxes filling the hold, carefully examining 
each one as they were lifted on deck. Taking a couple 
of sailors, Mark went forward on the berth-deck and 
examined the chain-lockers. The layers of rusty iron 
cable stretched from end to end of the foul smelling in- 
closure was the sole object revealed by his lantern. The 
fuigtives were not there. 

Going farther aft, Mark paused near a couple of 
hatchways flush with the deck. Selecting a skeleton 
key from a bunch drawn from his pocket, he bent over 
and unlocked one of them. Sunken in the middle of 
the wooden door was a plate reading : 

‘‘Powder Magazine No. 2.” 

One of the sailors opened it, revealing a short flight 
of ^teps leading out of sight in the gloom. The air 
coming up indicated a system of ventilation, but there 
was an all-pervading taint of the bilge, a most peculiar 
odor, which once experienced is never forgotten. Re- 
moving their shoes, an invariable precaution on account 
of possible sparks from the iron nails, Mark and one 
man started down the ladder. Holding the light care- 
folly, the ensign descended several steps and then 
paused to look around. A slight noise over in one 
corner quickly attracted his attention. 

There, crouching over an open canvas bag of powder, 
was John Blood, holding a lucifer match in his hand. 


86 


DALY CONFESSES. 


CHAPTER XV. 

DALY CONFESSES. 

The man’s appearance was both threatening and 
desperate. His face gleamed in the lamp’s raj^s with 
a ghastly pallor, and the hand grasping the match 
trembled so violently that he could sctu’ce hold it. Next 
to him stood, or rather stooped, the guard, Daly. He 
was half-leaning against the partition bulkhead, and 
seemed only able to look with fascinated eyes at the 
tiny weapon of destruction wielded by his companion. 

Mark had halted on the third step and now remained 
there as if turned to stone. The light he held flickered 
and wavered, sending fantastic shadows around the 
room, throwing into deeper shade the racks of ammu- 
nition and the significant piles of powder-laden bags, 
but bringing out in strong relief that central figure of 
all, the prisoner. 

It was a tableau, thrilling in the extreme ! 

There was no mistaking the man’s intention; his at- 
titude and the surroundings told that; but if any fur- 
ther proof was needed it soon came. With a hoarse 
growl, unlike any human voice, Blood spoke. 

“If ye come a step nearer, or level that there gun,” 
he said, “ITl blow the ship into kingdom come!” 

The sentence was interspersed with curses, and, as if 
to emphasize his words, the desperate man ignited the 
match. 

Into the lives of some there has entered a time when 
one minute contains the experience of years. It was so 
now with the ensign. He stood silent, immovable, fac- 
ing the greatest danger it had ever been his lot to meet, j 
One little movement of that hand, and — an awful ^ 


DALY CONFESSES. 


87 


death, a total annihilation, with no soul remaining to 
carry the story to those he held most dear. 

The temporary feeling of helplessness went as quickly 
as it came, leaving him again cool and deliberate. His 
mind worked rapidly, stimulated by the trying situa- 
tion. Fully believing that Blood meant what he said, 
Merrill saw at once that a compromise would have to 
be made. He was just on the point of replying w^hen 
there came an interruption from an unexpected source. 

Mark’s attention was centered on Blood, so he did 
not see the awful fear that had crept into Daly’s eyes. 
From the moment the Badger’s commander had entered 
the magazine, thus giving a signal for the execution of 
the prisoner’s grim purpose, the fugitive guard had 
never removed his gaze from the former’s hand. 

Standing scarcely two feet away, he had bent over in 
his absorbing interest until the terror-stricken counte- 
nance was directly above it. He said nothing and 
made no sign until his desperate companion struck the 
match. The sight of that threatening flame, approach- 
ing nearer to the bag of powder, drew from the man a 
wdld, inarticulate cry of fear. 

Then, with a rapid puff of his breath, he extinguished 
the burning lucifer, and threw himself upon Blood. 
Merrill, from his point of observation upon the stairs, 
was quick to see the advantage thus gained. Shouting 
to the sailors above to follow, he plunged down the 
ladder, and, after hurriedly placing the lamp in a cor- 
ner out of danger, joined the struggling combatants. 

Daly’s assault had come so unexpectedly that Blood 
was carried to the floor in a heap, luckily on one side of 
the powder. He did not remain inactive long. Blas- 
pheming horribly, the infuriated villain entwined his 
powerful arms around his assailant’s body, and with a 
terrific wrench forced him underneath. Just at that 


88 


BALT CONFESSES. 


opportune moment, the ensign took a part in the 
melee. 

Grasping the prisoner by the throat, he gave it such 
a squeeze that the fellow gasped for breath and 
released his hold of Daly. The latter immediately re- 
peated the other’s tactics, and with such success that 
the two changed positions for the second time. 

Mark, with a sailor who had just entered the maga- 
zine, added their weight to the guard’s, and all strug- 
gling ceased at once. A rope was quickly procured 
from above, the vanquished man securely bound hand 
and foot, and then passed up on deck to the unbounded 
astonishment of Miller, who had heard nothing of the 
affray. 

Blood’s countenance was not a pleasant nor highly 
edifying sight. Baffled rage not unmixed with despair, 
and a terrible look of hatred made it more like the face 
of a demon than a man. He foamed at the mouth in 
his excess of fury, and uttered vile oaths so fiercely that 
Mark ordered him gagged forthwith. 

The ship’s carpenter had repaired the chart-room 
door, so the prisoner was placed there until his case 
could be acted upon. The news had spread like fire 
through the ship, speedily bringing Dr. Agnew and 
the chief engineer on deck with their search parties. 

After seeing Blood secured, Merrill sent for Daly, 
who remained below in charge of the third officer. The 
recreant guard looked thoroughly penitent as he ap- 
proached the commander. Eying him steadily, the 
latter began to question him. 

“Now, I am going to talk plainly to you,” said 
Mark abruptly, “and I want plain answers. You are 
in a very serious position. How you come out lies alto- 
gether in your own hands. In the first place, are you 
willing to answer my questions?” 


BALT CONFESSES. 


89 


“Yis, sor. Indade Oi’il tell ye all/’ replied Daly 
eagerly. 

‘‘That is well. Now, why did you run away from 
your post and hide, last night?” 

“It was this way, sor. The prisoner, John Blood — 
bad cess til him ! — escaped troo the hole made in the 
dure by that lump of a wave. Whin the wather cleared 
away, Oi wint around to see my mate, Brown, an’ 
foind out if he was hurted. He had been washed off 
the bridge, but Oi saw the prisoner outside av his 
room. Oi was just a-goin’ to grab him an’ shout fur 
hilp whin ” 

“Wait a minute,” interrupted Mark. “Don’t spin 
any yarn like that until I ask you something else. 
How much were you paid in Shanghai to assist this 
fellow in wrecking the Badger?” 

Daly paled perceptibly, and looked at the ensign in 
a frightened manner. He tried to reply, but the words 
stuck in his throat. 

“Don’t try to lie noAv,” exclaimed Mark sternly, 
“Your face shows your guilt. I advise you to make a 
clean breast of it. If you do, there may be some hope 
for you.” 

Daly fell upon his knees at the commander’s feet. 
Painfully moistening his parched lips with his tongue, 
he stammered : 

“Ah! if ye’ll only pardon a miserable man, sor, Oi’ll 
tell all about it. I niver really meant to do any har- 
rum, but that divil up there kept at me an’ afther me 
till Oi was made to. He threatened to kill me if Oi 
wouldn’t moind him. It was in the shippin’ office 
ashore that he first thried to bribe me. He said there 
was a man in Shanghai as ’ud give a hundred pounds 
for certain services. Oi wint wid him til a house on a 
side shtrate an’ there met a fellow who ” 


90 


BALT CONFESSES. 


“What kind of a man was it?” 

“Indade Oi can’t iell ye, because the room was dark 
an’ he stayed over in one corner dare out of sight. 
From his voice Oi should think he was a young ’un. 
Weil, he told me simply that if Oi would do just what 
that black- whiskered devil ’ud tell me aboard the 
Badger, Oi could have the hundred quid. But he first 
axed if Oi was willin’ to do anything, an’ he said the 
last worred louder than the others. Oi said yis at once 
an’ he handed Blood the money to pay me after we 
wint aboard. Last noight he handed it over an’ told 
me to stale a can of oil from the lamp-room an’ shtart 
a blaze an the berth-deck. Oi said no, Oi wouldn’t, an’ 
he ups wid a knife an’ stuck it forninst me ribs. Thin 
Oi said yis. 

“He wint aft wid something in his hands, leaving 
inshtructions for me to loight the fire in exactly foive 
minutes, which Oi did, an’ Oi hope ye’ll forgive me for 
that same thing.” 

“Were there no other persons on the berth-deck at 
the time?” 

“No, sor; the excitement on deck caused by thim 
shots had attracted every wan up.” 

“How was it you happened to be detailed as guard?” 

“Why, Oi hung around under the bridge an’ heard 
you tell Mr. Gage to select some. Thin Oi followed 
the first luff an’ got in his way till he noticed me. He 
put me on.” 

“Then I suppose the reason you ran away and hid 
was because you were afraid of being blamed for his 
escape?” 

“Yis, sor.” 

Mark looked him in the eye, and then asked slowly: 

“What was your idea of being put over him as 
guard? To assist him to escape?” 


BALT CONFESSES. 


91 


Daly hung his head. When he answered, the words 
were low and hesitating : 

‘‘Oi — Oi was under fear av him killin’ me, sor; an’ 
Oi had^^ ” 

‘‘Daly, you are a despicable scoundrel!” interrupted 
Mark contemptuously. “If anything, you are worse 
than he is. By JoA^e ! I am sorry now I made any 
agreement with you. Get out of my sight or I may be 
tempted to— Here, Mr. Miller,” turning to the third 
officer, “take this man and put him in double irons 
until further orders. Place him in the pilot-house 
under the immediate eye of the watch officers. I will 
hold you and Watson personally responsible for his 
safe keeping.” 

The crestfallen Irishman was led away by Miller 
and secured as the ensign had directed. He cast an ap- 
pealing glance at the former while passing, but Mark 
paid no further attention to him. In truth he placed 
very little confidence in Daly’s repentance, believing 
the fellow had entered willingly into the plot, and sim- 
ply feigned remorse to escape punishment. Of course 
he had performed a signal service in the magazine by 
balking Blood’s purpose, but it was more to save his 
own worthless life than aught else. 

Now the question again arose: What should be done 
with the principal prisoner, John Blood? Merrill did 
not waste any time deciding it. His interview with 
Daly had been held near the fore hatch. He now walked 
aft to the bridge, his face stern with resolute purpose. 
Passing the guards, he opened the chart-room, door 
and looked in. What he saw there caused the ensign 
to start with an exclamation of intense surprise. 


91 


THE BADGER MASQUERADES. 


CHAPTER XVI. 

THE BADGER MASQUERADES. 

When Mark opeoed the chart*room door it was his 
intention to solemnly advise Blood of his impending 
execution, and that it would be carried out at sunset, 
thus giving the wretched man a chance for preparation. 
Filled with this idea, he stepped over the threshold and 
then halted, aghast. Lying stretched full length on the 
floor was the prisoner, his upturned face distorted with 
a terrible expression of agony, and the eyes wide open 
^^ ith a glassy stare which instantly revealed the truth. 

He was dead. 

A broken vial close at hand, still containing a few 
di<^ps of yellowish liquid, told its simple story. De- 
T^ated in his purpose, despairing, and knowing the in- 
evitable end, he had utilized his last resort and escaped 
the punishment he so richly deserved. 

Mark softly closed the door, and sent one of the 
guards for Dr. Agnew. A cursory examination by the 
3 oung surgeon was sufficient to prove that he had been 
dead onl}^ a few minutes, but no mortal aid could now 
accomplish anything. The poison he had taken was 
one made only in China, and possessed of the most 
deadly properties. After leaving directions to prepare 
the body for its last rest, the ensign, accompanied by 
Agnew, went below. 

Ned was still asleep when they passed his state- 
room, and looked so comfortable that he was not awak- 
ened until twelve o’clock, the time set for the last rites. 
Promptl3" at that hour the engines were stopped, an 
American flag hoisted half-mast, a gun fired to lee- 
ward, and the canvas-shrouded figure launched into the 
deep, a peaceful ^nd awe-inspiring end for what must 


THE BADGER MASQUERADES. 


93 


have been a stormy life. Dr. Agnew conducted the 
simple services at the grating. 

It was with a feeling of relief that the young com- 
mander rang the engine-room bell, getting underway. 
He was sincerely thankful that the man had by his 
own act relieved him from the odious duty of perform- 
ing an execution. Nevertheless, he had fully determined 
to do-it, as an example to the crew, and a means of rid- 
ding the ship of a constant menace. Now all necessity 
had passed. There still remained one on board whom 
Mark intended to get rid of at the first opportunity — 
namely, the Irishman, Daly. There was a possibility 
of meeting some inbound steamer or sailing vessel 
which could be persuaded to take him. If so, the 
chance would not be passed b}'. 

There was nothing sighted that day, however, save a 
couple of small coasting vessels, too far off to warrant 
any attempt at communication. Toward dark, the 
smoke of a steamer was seen on the eastern horizon, 
but as it had already arrived abeam, and was evidently 
steering a northerly course, it offered no chance. 

The officers of the Badger that night gained their 
first unbroken rest since leaving Shanghai. The 
weather was ail that could be desired, and a fair wind 
springing up during the afternoon, caused Merrill to 
order the fore and aft sails set. Together with the 
powerful engines, they drove the stanch old vessel over 
fourteen knots an hour — a fact the ensign noted with 
extreme satisfaction before retiring. 

Next morning he was on deck shortly after day- 
break. ^ed had charge of the watch, it being part of 
a lieutenant’s duties to take the deck from four to 
eight o’clock each day. Joining him on the bridge, 
Mark informed the middy that he had an important job 
to be commenced immediately after breakfast. 


94 


THE BADGER MASQUERADES. 


‘‘We are getting pretty well south now, and, if all 
goes well and we hold this breeze, to-morrow morning 
ought to find us in sight of the islands where our search 
commences. What I want to do to-day is to disguise 
the ship as much as possible.” 

‘‘Don’t you think they will be expecting us?” asked 
Gage. 

“ Why, yes; no doubt they will,” replied Mark with a 
laugh. “But as there is not any cable service with 
Shanghai, they can hardly tell when we started. If 
that was their chief I saw on the junk night before last, 
be is away back there somewhere,” pointing astern, 
“and cannot possibly notify his lieutenants. Of course, 
it is only a chance that we will be picked up as a mer- 
chant vessel, but the ruse may succeed.” 

“It is worth trying, anyway,” agreed Ned. And so 
thought the rest of the ofiScers when they were apprised 
of the commander’s intentions. Immediately after all 
hands had eaten, the work was commenced. A dozen 
men were set to work painting the deck-houses and 
bridge a dirty yellow. A gang under the boatswain 
eased off the stays and other rigging so the vessel 
would present an untidy appearance aloft. Strips cut 
from an old weather-beaten awning were placed handy 
for clapping over the snow-white sails when the time 
arrived for furling them. The trim-looking funnel and 
ventilators were scraped in odd spots until they looked 
ancient enough for the purpose, and then, as a final 
touch, Mark ordered that not more than a third of the 
crew would be allowed on the spar-deck at one time, 
commencing from the following morning. 

“Merchant steamers of this size don’t generally carry 
one hundred and fifty men,” he said, in explanation. 
“And the smaller the crew in sight, the more apt 
tliey are to attack.” 


THE BADGER MASQUERADES. 


95 


When the last thing had been done, Merrill, accom- 
panied by the middy and Mr. Watson, made an inspec- 
tion of the ship. The neat, well-kept cruiser had cer- 
tainly undergone a decided change. As Ned remarked : 

“She looked for all the world like an old sea tramp 
ready for any charter — ^ whether to carry potatoes to 
Ireland or a load of monkeys to the African coast. 

The ensign was entirely satisfied with his morning’s 
work. Now, all that remained was a chance to try the 
disguise. His observation at noon the previous day in- 
dicated latitude twenty-seven degrees, four minutes 
north, and longitude one hundred and twenty five 
degrees, twenty-three minutes, twelve seconds east, or 
about four hundred and eighty miles from the island of 
Hwang Ho, the first of the group forming their present 
destination. They had already logged three hundred 
and seventy miles, so there remained but a short dis- 
tance to go. 

Sending for the chief engineer, Mark instructed him 
to run at half-speed until further orders. This would 
mean a matter of about seven knots per hour, which, if 
continued, would not bring the island in sight until 
after daylight. 

That evening after supper, the ensign called a meet- 
ing of his officers in the cabin. There were present, 
Ned, Watson, Dr. Agnew, and the chief engineer. 
The latter demurred at first, claiming he had important 
repairs to make, but as this was simply a never-failing 
excuse of the taciturn old man, his attendance was re- 
quested with especial emphasis. 

“Gentlemen,” began Merrill, after all had seated 
themselves, “as we are now rapidly approaching the 
neighborhood frequented by the pirates, I thought it 
best to advise you of my plans, so that we can work to- 
gether without mistakes. The last information re- 


96 


THE BADGEJl MASQUERADES. 


ceived concerning them prior to our departure from 
Shanghai was in the case of the English steamer 
Bengal, which arrived at Woosung just a week ago 
to-day. Her captain reported having met with a nar- 
row escape while passing Hwang Ho three days previ- 
ous. As his log described it, they had the island off 
their starboard beam, some five miles distant, about an 
hour before dark. -While rounding a wooded point on 
the south side, they saw two large junks close inshore, 
apparently hove to, which, on sighting the steamer, 
made all sail in chase. As it happened, the Bengal 
was a particularly fast boat, and soon dropped them 
astern. And none too soon, as the pirates, for such they 
proved, opened fire at once. Luckily, none of the shots 
struck her, although several came dangerously near, 
showing the junks carried good gunners. The captain, 
w^ho had formerly been in the British navy, said the 
report sounded as if the cannon were both heavy and of 
modern construction.” 

“I presume he did not stop to verify his impressions?” 
remarked Agnew, with a smile. 

“Not he. ITl venture the Bengal had not been 
pushed so hard for many a year. The report went on 
to state that when darkness closed down on the scene, 
the piratical craft were still in pursuit, firing an occa- 
sional shot at the steamer.” 

“I suppose your intention is to pass in and out 
through the group until you sight something?” asked 
Watson. 

“Yes; that is my idea exactly,” replied Mark, lean- 
ing back in his chair and looking from one to the other. 
“We naturally have to trust largely to chance in this 
case, but I think we are going to be successful before 
very long.” 

“I sincerely hope so,” put in Ned fervently. 


THE BADGER MASQUERADES. 


97 


The rest laughed at the middy’s emphatic wish, but 
they really echoed the desire. Each and every one of 
the officers were becoming very enthusiastic over the 
expedition. They could not help it. Their young 
commander’s earnest, manly nature was contagious, 
and he, entering heart and soul in the duty before him, 
had inspired a like feeling in his subordinates. 

“What will you do when the junks are sighted?” 
asked the doctor, who had lately developed a decided 
taste for naval tactics. 

“We will pretend to become alarmed, and apparently 
make every effort to get away, but, I hardly need say, 
without success. I have several ideas to be carried out. 
The m^in thing is to entice them alongside. When 
that is accomplished, I think those Gatlings of ours 
will work wonders. We want to prevent boarding, if 
possible, as those junks just swarm with men as a rule. 
Although I believe our sailors could do fairly well with 
three times their number of Chinese, if not more.” 

“Speaking of sailors, reminds me that we still have 
that man Daly on board,” remarked Gage. 

“Yes, and I am afraid we cannot get rid of him as 
easily as we thpught,” answered Merrill, in tones of 
annoyance. “The scarcity of passing vessels is surpris- 
ing. We have been in the direct route between Foo 
Chow and northern ports for some time, but we might 
as well have been in the South Seas for that matter. 
However, I intend keeping him under close watch until 
an opportunity arrives, if it is six months.” 


98 


‘^LANB 0! 


CHAPTEE XVII. 

“land o!” 

“One more question, Mr. Merrill,” continued the 
doctor. “Your main object is to wipe out their strong- 
hold, is it not?” 

“Before we return to Shanghai, I hope to have ex- 
terminated them root and branch, leveled their head- 
quarters to the ground, and carry back a hold full of 
prisoners to be turned over to the tender mercies of the 
Chinese government. It sounds big, doesn’t it? but 
that is why the Secret Company subscribed five hun- 
dred thousand dollars to fit out this expedition.” 

“Well, wasn’t it their belief that enough stolen plun- 
der might be reclaimed from the looters to reimburse 
the stockholders?” suggested Ned shrewdly. 

“No doubt, my boy,” replied Mark sententiously. 
Then he added with a smile: “Of course, we will not 
leave anything lying around loose. Oh, no; what is 
found will be returned to the rightful owners on pay- 
ment of a proportionate share of the e;xpense, less, as I 
may as well tell you, twenty-five per cent., which is the 
amount generously decided upon by the company to be 
paid to this ship’s crew.” 

Everybody looked pleased. They knew, of course, 
that prize money would be given them in addition to 
their already liberal salaries, but none had any idea of 
the exact amount until now. Need it be said their 
enthusiasm was augmented from then on? And hardly 
to their discredit, either, for such is the human nature 
of practical life. 

The council of war, as it may be called, adjourned 
after a few moments’ further conversation. Mark had 


‘‘LAND 01 


99 


carried out his intention of informing the Badger’s 
principal officers concerning his plans as yet developed, 
and now retired to rest, fully satisfied with the day’s 
work. He had left strict orders to be called if the 
weather changed, or if anything was sighted, but noth- 
ing occurred to disturb the serenity of the night. 

The ensign awoke early the next morning. It was 
hardly daybreak when he emerged from the cabin, but 
a subdued grayish light creeping up from the east, 
drawing the familiar outlines of the ship from their 
shadowy retreat, proclaimed the coming of the sun. 
Mark was a lover of the beautiful in nature, as all gen- 
erous-sou led men are. 

The greater part of his young life had been spent 
on old ocean’s bosom, in close communion with 
the grandeur of scenery depicted on that stage of 
stages. He never tired of the sublime paintings 
from nature’s brush, with the boundless sky as the 
canvas, and the colors mixed by the artful hand of Old 
Sol. That is why he lingered on reaching the deck, 
and, selecting a place near the main rigging, surren- 
dered himself to an enjoyable contemplation of the glor- 
ious sight spread out before him. 

On the eastern horizon a tremulous glow had just re- 
placed the first cold light of dawn, a glow which spread 
and gathered color and sent forth glittering shafts here 
and ribbons of gaudy hues there, and leaped upon a 
somber mass of clouds hanging overhead, changing 
them with flashing touches into gorgeous palaces of 
gold and tinsel, and filled the whole spacious sky wnth 
a refulgent outburst of splendor, until at last the sun, 
peeping over the edge of the sea, brought no augmenta- 
tion with his presence. It was only one of many the 
ensign had seen, but it never grew wearisome or monot- 
onous — nature’s kaleidoscope held too many changes 


100 


“LAND O/” 


for that. Mark was just turning away to go forward, 
when there came a loud hail from the lookout in the 
foretop. 

‘‘Land O!” 

“Where away?” cried Merrill, walking up on the 
bridge, and looking ahead. 

“Two points off the port bow, sir.” 

“Can you make it out yet?” 

The man was evidently taking a second look, as he 
did not reply immediately. In the meantime, those on 
the bridge had called all the telescopes into use, but 
they could not see it from that altitude as yet. Pres- 
ently the fellow aloft sung out that he could distinguish 
what seemed to be a low-lying island, apparently not 
over a few miles in length. 

“That is Hwang Ho, the first of the group,” ex- 
claimed the ensign decisivel3\ “Better slow down, 
Ned. Signal the engineer to run her at about forty 
revolutions. We want to take our time in this neigh- 
borhood, and give the looters a chance to pick us up. 
It was close to this island the Bengal encountered them 
the other day.” 

“They came purty near losin’ the number of their 
mess, I understand,” remarked the third officer, who 
had just been relieved by the middy. 

“Yes; they had a pretty close call of it,” replied 
Mark, explaining the incident to Miller, who had not 
been present at the council the previous evening. 
While they were talking, Gage communicated the new 
orders to the engineer on watch, and shortly after a 
considerable reduction was noticeable in the speed. 

It was almost an hour before the land was close 
enough to be seen plainly from the deck. It appeared 
to be nothing more than one of the many commonplace 
islands frequently met with just north of Formosa. 


‘‘LAND 0! 


101 


The surface was entirely devoid of hills or elevations 
of any description, and seemed covered from end to end 
with a dense growth of trees interwOTen with clinging 
vines and underbrush, rendering it impossible to see 
more than a few yards from the beach. Mark had no 
intention of landing, but he did not care to pass with- 
out ascertaining whether any of the junks were lurking 
on the other side, so, after running into soundings, a 
course was steered that would encircle the island within 
close view of the shore. 

The entire circumference could not have been more 
than ten or twelve miles, but it was almost noon before 
the Badger completed the circuit at her reduced speed. 
The maneuver revealed nothing of interest. There w’as 
but little change in the monotony of sandy beach and in- 
terminable line of forest. No creeks or watercourses of 
any kind could be discovered leading from the interior, 
and when the steamer arrived at her starting point 
again a course was laid for the others of the group. 

‘‘There are at least twenty-five more of the same 
kind,” the ensign explained to Ned in the chart-room, 
pointing them out on an admiralty map spread on the 
table. “But here is one called T’sin Chu, which 
seems to be of considerable size.” Taking a pair of 
compasses, he measured it carefully, and announced : 
“It is over sixty miles long and about forty in breadth, 
and, according to the footnotes at the bottom, contains 
a mountain of high elevation, probably volcanic.” 

“Does it belong to the Chinese government?” asked 
the middy. 

Merrill picked up a book lying on a side shelf, printed 
by the English Bureau of Naval Information, and, 
turning over several pages, read : 

“T’sin Chu — principal island of the Chun Ki group, 
situated north -north east of Formosa two hundred and 


102 


THE LIGHT ON THE POINT 


ninety -three miles. Claimed by Chinese government. 
At last date uninhabited, except by a few poor farmers 
swearing allegiance to no country.’’ 

“It is the extreme western island of all,” said Mark, 
again referring to the chart. “I have an idea we may 
find something there. If we don’t run across any 
traces of the pirates in the next few days, we will make 
a thorough exploration of the interior. 

“By the way, Ned,” added the ensign, as they left 
the room, “I want you to give the men a thorough 
drilling this afternoon. Let me see, it is now a little 
after twelve. Well, you can notify Watson to exercise 
his gun’s crew this afternoon from one until three at 
loading and firing, and then devote the time from then 
till five at small arms and broadswords. We have not 
had much time yet to teach the men in those important 
branches, so now, while there is nothing else going on, 
and the weather remains good, we had better improve 
the opportunity. ’ ’ 

^‘It’s a good idea,” agreed the middy. “Every little 
helps in drill as well as anything else. Although the 
men know their stations and duties pretty well, still 
they are not too familiar. The main trouble is our 
lack of good gunners. I have a couple that will do 
well enough, but even they still require practice.” 


CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE LIGHT ON THE POINT. 

“ We’ll have to do the best we can with the material 
on hand,” replied Mark. “Both you and Mr. Watson 
are exceptionally good, and I can take a hand at a pinch. 
But I don’t believe thfere will be much long range work, 


THE LIGHT ON THE POINT. 


103 


and almost anybody can aim a gun when the muz^zle 
touches the target.’’ 

Shortly after turning to, the boatswain sounded a 
peculiar call on his pipe, and shouted : 

‘‘All gun divisions to quarters ! Drop all work and 
man the batteries.” 

In obedience to the command, those members of the 
crew stationed at the guns marched below to the first 
deck and speedily took their proper places. The second 
officer, who was, as stated before, an old graduate of 
the Annapolis Naval Academy, had charge of the for- 
ward or pivot gun, while the executive officer, Ned 
Gage, commanded the two after pieces. 

Each crew consisted of fifteen men, this number be- 
ing required because of the primitive methods for han- 
dling the heavy rifles. In the time of which we write 
there were no improved carriages with hydraulic at- 
tachments, but a simple iron frame-work supported on 
one end by hardwood rollers. To shift the piece re- 
quired the use of roller handspikes and a rude block 
and tackle. The ordnance on the Badger was composed 
of the then recently introduced breech-loaders, techni- 
cally known as “sixty-pounders,” firing a projectile of 
that weight. 

Each man in the division had specified duties to 
perform, from the captain, who controlled and fired 
it, to the powder-monkey, whose duty was to carry 
ammunition from the hoisting tube. Most of the men 
had multiple work; for instance, the one handling the 
sponger while swabbing out after firing, would man 
one of the side tackles while the weapon was being 
trained. Then the rammer would handle a handspike 
at the proper time, and the first side-tackleman would 
assist in carrying shells and solid shot. With suffi- 
cient practice an entire division could work smoothly 


104 


THE LIGHT ON THE POINT. 


and maneuver the ponderous guns with incredible 
speed. 

During the two hours set apart for the work, the men 
were kept constantly occupied working the guns. No 
ammunition was handled, simply ‘‘dummies,’’ as they 
were called, being utilized. A muslin bag stuffed with 
sawdust represented the powder, and wooden models of 
shells took the place of the real article. 

Every individual of each division was instructed in 
the duties of his companions, so that any one could 
temporarily perform the work of those disabled or 
killed. This familiarity with all the branches, super- 
ficial though it was, made a gun’s crew doubly efficient 
in time of action. 

Up on deck, Mark had a number of seamen employed 
in mounting the Gatlings on the bridge, simply to ex- 
plain their mode of operation to several men he had 
selected to work them. The guns were kept undercover 
in the pilot-house until needed, as they would attract 
instant attention, if exposed to view in such a promi- 
nent position. The young commander laid great store 
by them, and justly, too, as they were then the highest 
type of death-dealing weapons in use. 

After two hours of battery practice, the balance of the 
afternoon was devoted to cutlass drill. The men were 
taught the different feints, guards and cuts, and then 
put through the various interesting maneuvers of 
“repel boarders” and “board with a cheer,” the latter 
being a method of attacking calculated to carry con- 
sternation to the hearts of the enemy by its very noisi- 
ness. Mark inspected the “fighting crew” at the fin- 
ish, and noted with pleasure their general efficiency and 
knowledge. He also privately expressed to Ned his 
earnest desire for a speedy opportunity of testing them 
in actual combat, a sentiment shared by the middy. ^ 


THE LIGHT ON THE POINT. 


105 


The island of Hwang Ho had long since faded away 
beyond the western horizon, and the second on the 
group was just in sight ahead when the officers returned 
on deck after the drill. Merrill stated that by the 
course then being steered the one they were approach- 
ing would be the last observed until striking T’sin 
Chu. 

‘‘In fact,” he added, “they are very close to each 
other, barely six miles separating them. The island 
just in front is smaller than that passed this noon, but 
I believe it is not so flat. We are on ticklish grounds 
now, and will have to keep a sharp lookout to-night. 
WeTl mount the (Ratlings after dark, and prepare 
the main battery for instant use.” 

Turning to Ned, he continued : 

“I will remain on dock until midnight, and then lie 
down in the chart room. If you wish, you can turn in 
during the earlier part of the evening, relieving me 
later on.” 

The middy agreed, but with a mental reservation that, 
if any excitement promised, he would remain up all 
night. Shortly before sunset the island was close 
aboard. It seemed little different from Hwang Ho, 
except for a wooded hill which rose sheer from the sea 
at the eastern extremity. This eminence appeared to 
be about six hundred feet in height, and formed a 
I'eculiar landmark, with its white, rocky surface stretch- 
i )g up from the very edge of the surf, which rolled 
and boomed in long foamy billows against the mighty 
barrier. The summit was covered with dense verdure, 
showing an occasional palm in its midst. 

It was not until the Badger arrived abreast of this 
promontory that the island of T’sin Chu became visi- 
ble. Owing to a haze that had crept up on the horizon, 
only a small portion of the w^estern end. could be seen. 


106 


THE LIGHT OH THE POINT 


and the volcanic mountain occupying the center was 
completely hidden from ^^view. As Mark had stated, 
there was only a short space of water, not over six 
miles, betw^een the two. On clear days they must have 
seemed very close together. 

Twilight was fast merging into darkness by the time 
the steamer had cleared the island. Gathered on the 
bridge were Merrill and the other officers, .including 
Dr. Agnew, who had just come up from evening “sick 
call,” held daily in the dispensary. The night prom- 
ised to be cloudy, and there was an indication of rain 
in the air, which caused those on deck to glance expect- 
antly at the sky now and then. The vessel lx)wled 
easily along, giving an occasional roll as the invisible, 
lifting swell from seaward would strike her abeam. 

Mark was talking in a low tone to Watson in front 
of the pilot house, when Ned, who had been idly watch- 
ing the island astern, suddenly uttered an exclamation 
of surprise, and, grasping the night glass from its hook, 
leveled the instrument at the promontory. 

“What is the matter. Gage?” sung out Mark, hastily 
joining him, followed by the others. 

“X thought you said that small island was uninhab- 
ited?” 

“So I did,” replied the ensign. “It is considered to 
be so, any way. Why? Do you see any indication 
pointing to the contrary?” 

“Yes; a light up there on the summit on that hill. 
It was — there it is again!” 

As he spoke a faint gleam showed for a moment from 
the extreme top of the elevation. Then it disappeared, 
to be repeated after a short interval. There could be 
no mistake. It was apparent to all, and, as they stood 
watching the dim, shadowy outlines now representing 
the land, it appeared again and again. 


A JUNK APPROACHES. 


107 


“That is a signal as snre as I am standing on this 
bridge, Mark/’ exclaimed Ned, handing the binocle to 
the former, “ Jnst note the spaces between the lights.” 

“By Jove ! I believe you are right,” came the answer 
quickly; then, after a brief inspection of the distant 
headland, he continued: “Why, it looks like our ‘flash’ 
system now being used in the service. Let us see if 
we can make it out.” Counting the lights as they ap- 
peared, Merrill called out: “Dot, dash, two dots, space. 
Three dots, space. Dash, dot, three dashes and a dot, 
space. Four dots and four dashes, space. Seven dots 
and — that’s all.” 

Gage had been jotting them down as the ensign read 
the signals. Now, looking over the results, he said : 

“Some of these don’t mean anything, Mark. They 
don’t represent any letter that I know. It must be a 
secret code.” 

“That is probably so, but one thing certain, there 
is mischief in the wind. I have an idea it is a lookout 
of the looters, and the watchman is announcing the 
passing of a steamer and the direction it is traveling.” 

“I guess you are right, Merrill,” interrupted the 
young surgeon, pointing ahead. “There is an answer- 
ing signal on T’sin Chu. There — olose to the beach.” 


CHAPTER XIX. 

A JUNK APPROACHES. 

The sharp eyes of the young surgeon had been occu- 
pied in a new direction, while the others had been de- 
voting their attention to the promontory. He was 
rewarded by seeing a light suddenly appear on the 
edge of the shore. It was brighter than the other, and 


108 


A JUNK APPROACHES. 


remained stationary for a moment, then vanished, but 
not before all had seen it. 

“That settles the matter!” exclaimed Merrill, ab- 
ruptly. “I think we are sure of an attack to-night. 
We will prepare for it, anyway. Mr. Miller, take 
several men and mount the Gatling guns at once. You 
can attend to that and retain charge of the deck also. 
Ned, you and Watson master your gun’s crowds, ard 
pre})are the battery for action. Have thirty rounds of 
ammunition ready. Better use shrapnel — solid shot 
woi;ld be throv/n away on junks. See that your men 
are all armed with pistols and cutlasses, and equip 
tweiaty seamen with rifles as sharpshooters. Station 
them on the berthdeck until summoned. Don’t make 
any more noise than you can help. If they attack us, 
I want to entice them wflthin a hundred yards before 
opening fire.” 

Gage and the second officer left the bridge immedi- 
ately on receiving their instructions. Miller set to work 
with a dozen men, and speedily had the machine guns 
mounted and ready for business. There was no confu- 
sion, but a casual observer could have easily seen that 
something unusual was in progress. 

Oil the forward deck little knots of men were gathered, 
talking in suppressed tones. Every now and then a 
messenger would appear from below with a question to 
the commanding officer from the middy or Mr. Watson. 
An occasional thud, as if some heavy object had been 
dro])ped, came through the open hatch where the am- 
munition gang was working. A harsh creaking di- 
rectly below showed that the pivot gun was being 
trained to leeward, and, to add a fitting finale to the 
various sounds of preparation, a grinding of steel be- 
came apparent. It was shrill and constant, and, when 
tlie ensign, his curiosity aroused, peered over the after 


A JUNK APPROACHES. 


109 


railing of the bridge he laughed quietly at the source. 
Close to the forward bulkhead of the fire-room hatch an 
old, grizzled-w^hiskered seaman was busily engaged in 
sharpening a cutlass on the ship’s grindstone, the while 
singing an ancient naval ditty. 

The lights on T’sin Chu and the smaller island had 
both disappeared, and of the land itself nothing was 
visible but a fast vanishing outline, blending into the 
somber background of sea and sky. 

Mark bad stationed lookouts in both tops and on the 
forecastle head, with explicit instructions to not call 
out if they observed anything, but to send a messenger 
with the information. He had also notified the chief 
engineer to station an assistant at the engines in readi- 
ness to put the Badger under full speed immediately on 
receiving orders to that effect. 

^‘Now,” he said to Miller, after seeing this last item 
of preparation attended to, think we are quite 
ready to give these friends of ours a cordial reception. 
I sincerely hope they won’t disappoint us after all the 
trouble we have taken.” 

“No fear, sir,” grinned the third oflScer. “I’ll bet a 
month’s pay them pirates will drop in kind of informal 
like before sunrise. This is just the snap they’re 
lookin’ ” 

He was interrupted by one of the seamen who 
approached them hurriedly, and, addressing the ensign, 
said in a low voice ; 

“Bill James, in the foretop, sent me down to tell ye 
that he can see somethin’ which looks like a junk, 
about three pints for’rd of the port beam.” 

Merrill instantly leveled his glass in that direction, 
gazed a moment, and then turned to Miller with the 
command : 

“Call all hands to general quarters, ready for action.” 


110 


A JUNK APPROACHES, 


What he saw in the place indicated by the foretop 
lookout was the dim outlines of some vessel just barely 
discernible with the aid of the powerful night-glasses. 
By the angular, unwieldly shape of the hull it ap- 
peared to be a Chinese junk, apparently under full sail. 
It was not steering directly toward the Badger, but at 
an acute angle which would bring them alongside be- 
fore many minutes. 

The ensign was able to ascertain this when he used 
his telescope the second time. She was gradually 
drawing nearer, edging away from the island, little by 
little, as if following an independent course, but at 
their similar rates of speed, the two vessels must meet 
only a short distance ahead. 

After giving the order to Miller, he took formal com- 
mand of the deck, relieving that officer, as customary 
on board ships of war when the crew has been called to 
quarters. The third officer disappeared down the fore 
hatch on his errand, and presently a confused murmur 
came to Mark’s ears. He instantly dispatched a mes- 
senger to warn them to make less noise. It was evi- 
dent the crew was highly pleased at the prospect of 
action. 

Four men had been stationed at each Gatling, and on 
the bridge gratings within handy reach were boxes 
well filled with cartridges. 

A couple of extra seamen were detailed to assist the 
wheelman in the pilot house in case of possible disaster. 
The youthful commander paced up and down, alert and 
active, attending to the many details of preparation, 
but keeping a wary eye on that shadowy enemy slowly’- 
but surely drifting down upon them. Miller returned 
with the report that all was in readiness below, and 
volunteered the additional, information that “them 
sailors are fightin' mad on the gun deck, an’ swears 


A JUNK APPROACHES. 


Ill 


they’ll make chopsticks of every John Chinaman this 
side o’ Pekin, if you’ll only turn them loose.” 

Merrill laughed quietly, and then sent him to Ned 
and Mr. Watson with a message to the effect that no 
shot must be fired until they heard the steam whistle 
sound one blast, then give it to them until further 
orders. While Jeff was going down the ladder, the 
ensign called after him to tell the chief engineer to con- 
nect the deck hose with the boilers, and prepare for 
turning on hot water. 

There was a hush of expectancy over everything. 
The decks were now' silent, but it was the calm before 
the storm, the quietness of a wild beast ready to spring. 
Mark looked at his watch by the light of the binnacle 
lamp. It was eight o’clock. 

‘‘Strike eight bells, forward there,” he said softly, 
to an indistinct figure near the hatch. The man walked 
toward the foremast where the ship’s bell hung, and 
presently there sounded a mellow note clear and dis- 
tinct on the night air. Two, four, six, eight. Before 
the echo died away the noise of a sail “slatting” in the 
breeze came from the direction of the junk. It was 
too plain to be ignored, so Merrill put the speaking 
trumpet to his lips, and shouted : 

“Ship ahoy!” 

No answer. 

Mark looked through the glasses. They were evi- 
dently changing their course. The bow of the junk 
was pointing directly toward the Badger. Grasping 
the rope attached to the whistle he again hailed them, 
quickly and imperatively: 

“Ship ahoy ! What ship is that?” 

This time a voice replied, but the words were so indis- 
stinct that nothing could be made of them. Turning 
to the man at the wheel, the ensign told him to star- 


112 


A BRIEF BUT DECISIVE COMBAT, 


board the helm a trifle. This caused the cruiser to 
edge away just enough to throw the other vessel a little 
more on the beam. The two ships were now only a 
couple of hundred yards part. The time for action was 
close at hand. 


CHAPTER XX. 

A BRIEF BUT DECISIVE COMBAT. 

As yet there had been no untoward action on the part 
of the enemy. There was nothing but the previous be- 
lief that they were pirates to warrant any preparation 
on board the Badger. It was still quite within the 
bounds of possibility that the junk would turn out to 
be a peaceful trader, but Mark still kept a tight grasp 
on the whistle-cord and awaited developments. From 
information gained on the subject he knew they would 
fire one shot at first, expecting that to act as a demand 
for surrender. In the case of a merchantman it might 
answer. 

It was monotonous waiting this. With pulses at 
fever heat, and the constant expectation^of receiving a 
cannon-ball at any moment. But Merrill was patient. 
He had determined they should open the ball. Sud- 
denly there came a hail from the junk. This time it 
was plain enough, and the words were in English. 

“Steamer ahoy !'’ 

“Ahoy the junk!” replied Mark instantly. 

“What steamer is that?” 

“The Dreadnaught, from Shanghai to New York 
Who are you?” 

“This IS a coaster called the Ning Po. I am an 
American, one of a shipwrecked crew picked up by this 
vessel on an island east of here. Will you stop and 


A BRIEF BUT DECISIVE COMBAT. 


113 


take us aboard? We have plenty of money to pay our 
passage. ’ ’ 

“Ha! the scoundrel has given himself away,” mut- 
tered the ensign griml}^ to Jeff, who had returned from 
below. “He says an island to the east of this. There 
isn’t a speck of land within a thousand miles in that 
direction. And such craft don’t travel that far* by a 
good deal.” 

“How many are there of you?” called out Mark, 
again addressing the junk. 

“Five all told, including the captain. If you will 
give us a passage we’ll work our way, too.” 

“Where did you say you were wrecked?” 

“About fifty miles to the east’rd.” 

“I guess you area little off in your reckoning, are 
you not? There is no land in that direction.” 

Merrill and Jeff heard the supposed castaway utter a 
quick imprecation. Then came the rattling of blocks, 
and the junk swung around broadside on. 

“Lookout! it’s coming!” cried Miller, beneath his 
breath, but the ensign never heard the remark. It was 
drowned in the sharp explosion of a gun, and a shot 
whizzed past 3"ust overhead. Merrill gave the whistle- 
cord a quick jerk; there was a deep hoarse blast, and 
then, bursting on the still night air like a clap of thun- 
der, came the roar of the two heavy guns beneath their 
feet. 

Crash! crash! 

The sounds of splintering wood, and thuds of spars 
striking the deck; the snapping of overstrained ropes; 
the boisterous flap-flap of sails swinging to the wind, 
and, above all these noises, shrill and harsh in the 
agony of death, came the groans of a score of wounded 
men. 

There was no need for further action. Aimed at 


114 


A BRIEF BUT DECISIVE COMBAT. 


short range, the two sixty-pound shells had worked 
awful havoc. Looking through the telescope, Mark 
beheld a scene of indescribable confusion on the junk’s 
deck. Both masts were gone, their debris hanging 
over the starboard side, and the tangled mass of rigging 
and sails heaped up in every direction. The forward 
bulw^ks were torn sheer from the planking. The 
waist was filled with splintered fragments of boats, and 
piled here and there were little heaps of bodies bathed 
in their own blood, all distinctly revealed by a fire 
which had burst forth in the after cabin. 

It was not necessary to dispatch a messenger Jbelow 
with orders to cease firing. Ned and Watson, who had 
aimed the guns with their own hands, were enabled to 
see the results from the open portholes. They thought, 
with Merrill, that victory was theirs without further 
labor. An involuntary cheer broke from the men when 
the red light of the conflagration became visible. 
There was no time for rejoicing, however. 

A messenger appeared on the gun deck with orders 
for the after division to man the boats. The crew 
tumbled up the hatch as eager now to save lives as 
they were to take them a few minutes before. There is 
no measuring the vagaries of Jack Tar. 

The second oflScer was instructed to stand by the 
pivot rifle with his division, in case of further trouble. 
But the middy rushed on deck, and took charge of the 
rescuing party. In an incredibly short time three boats 
Avere in the water, manned and equipped in readiness 
to depart on receiving word from the commanding 
officer. 

By that time the burning junk had drifted some dis- 
tance awa3^ The wind and tide were fast carrying her 
toward the beach, which gleamed with faint, wavering 
lines just beyond. It was doubtful now whether the 


A BRIEF BUT DECISIVE COMBAT. 


115 


boats could reach her before she struck. Resolving to 
try it, anyway, Mark ordered Gage to pull as close as 
safety would allow and rescue all he possibly could. 

“Take two boats directly over, and leave one to 
search for those who may have jumped overboard,” he 
added. “Be cautious in approaching the junk; there is 
no telling what those people will do. Bring back all 
you can as prisoners. The less men the}’ have the 
quicker the job will be over.” 

The Badger’s engines had been stopped when the 
boats were lowered, but Merrill now called down the 
engine-room tube to start up slowly, and ordered the 
w'heelsman to follow after the boats. 

It became suddenly apparent that the flames were 
dying out on the junk. Men were observed rushing to 
and fro from a little pump on the forecastle, and grad- 
ually but surely the glare faded away until there re- 
mained only a fitful blaze sweeping with decreasing 
strength. The middy had also noticed the change, and 
Merrill saw his men l3flng on their oars, evidently 
awaiting orders from the Badger. The ensign, who 
was now standing close to the side watching the 
boats, ordered Miller to sound four blasts on the 
whistle. 

Gage instantly obeyed the recall signal, and started 
back for the ship. The watchers on the bridge saw his 
gig stop several times, but apparently nothing was 
picked up. Mark checked the steamer’s way again, 
and when the middy came alongside asked him what 
he had learned. 

“The junk is almost ashore,” Ned sung out. “She’ll 
strike in a few minutes, but I think it is a sandy 
beach, and they will land all right. We couldn’t find 
anybody in the water, but the cutter is still looking 
around over there. I ordered her coxswain to continue 


116 


A BRIEF BUT DECISIVE COMBAT, 


the search until you whistled a second time. What 
shall we do; hook on?” 

The ensign deliberated. The wisest plan would be 
to try and secure some of the junk’s crew at once, and 
wring from them information concerning the strong- 
hold, which, he shrewdl}" suspected, was on this very 
island. It was a pity the pirate craft had JH)t been cap- 
tured when she drifted close by a helpless wreck. But 
Merrill’s first thought had been of rescue when he saw 
the conflagration break out. Now, seeing they had 
escaped that danger, and stood a good chance of land- 
ing where the alarm could be conveyed to their com- 
rades, he regretted his soft-hearted action, and felt like 
shelling the spot in the misty curtain where they were 
evidently at that moment making good their escape. 

Neither T’sin Chu nor the junk were now 'sy^le. A 
haze had set in, making the darkness more impenetra- 
ble, and the density of the atmosphere carried a warn- 
ing of rain before long. Under the circumstances 
Mark abandoned an idea he had just formed of arming 
the boats with the Gatling guns and dispatching the 
middy on a cutting-out expedition against the pirate 
vessel. He concluded to wait until daylight and see 
what could be done then. In response to a signal the 
remaining cutter pulled alongside, and the three were 
hoisted to the davits. 


CHAPTER XXL 

MORE OP THE ENEMY. 

“How near did you get to that craft, Ned?” asked 
Merrill, when the middy reported on the bridge. 

“About two ship’s lengths, I think. We were close 
enough to hear them tramping around and talking to 


MORE OF THE ENEMY. 


117 


one another. They mastered that fire pretty quickly. 
It rather surprised me to see how smartly they rallied 
and got to work. It shows discipline.” 

“Could you recognize the voice of that fellow who 
hailed us just before the fight?” 

“Yes; above all the rest. He is still alive, and was 
singing out orders right and left. I think they were 
trying to claw off the beach, but it is impossible, as 
both masts are gone and all the overhead gear with 
them. They must have lost their anchor, too, as no 
attempt was made to drop it as far as I could see. Oh, 
they are good for ” 

A faint crash came to their ears through the dark- 
ness, a grinding noise easily interpreted. Then several 
cries just discernible above the incidental sounds about 
the ship, and all was silent again. 

“She has struck,” exclaimed Mark, trying to pierce 
the somber gloom surrounding the island. 

“Yes, and all that are saved will make a beeline for 
their rendezvous,” added Ned ruefully. 

“I am afraid so,” responded Merrill. “But it can- 
not be helped now. It is simply a case of misplaced 
sympathy. If I hadn’t let my heart dominate over my 
duty,. we would have the whole lot under hatches.” 

“We will have plenty of opportunities to run across 
them again,” put in the doctor, \yho was standing at 
his elbow. “I’ll wager we haven’t seen the last of 
them by any means.” 

“No, indeed,” coincided Ned. “By the way, Mark, 
that chap you saw on the junk with Ah Foy the other 
night ought to be along by morning, eh?” 

“B}" Jove! that’s so,” exclaimed the ensign quickly. 
He had almost forgotten the episode during the excite- 
ment of the past few hours. 

“If I am not mistaken he is the leader of these loot- 


118 


MOEE OF THE ENEMY. 


ers/’ he continued. “Of course, a man cannot be sure 
of anything he sees by a flash of lightning, but the ex- 
traordinary clear glimpse I obtained of his face makes 
me almost certain he is the man I first saw in the 
Shanghai restaurant. I am positive enough to think it 
a good idea for us to steam round the island and try to 
head that junk off.'’ 

The young commander’s determination met with the 
approval of the others. It was certainly advisable to 
try some plan to counteract the error of that evening. 
All felt that Merrill had made a mistake in not board- 
ing the pirate craft and finishing the combat by captur- 
ing the crew. But none really blamed him for doing 
what his innate kindliness of nature had prompted. 

However, Mark still felt deeply chagrined, and after 
giving the necessary orders to have the Badger steam 
around T’sin Chu, he walked up and down the bridge 
buried in thought. Presently the middy joined him, 
and the two talked for awhile over the plans for the 
morrow. 

“There is one thing we can congratulate ourselves 
upon,’’ said Ned. “That is the total destruction of the 
junk, anyway. Now, if we capture the other to-mor- 
row, we can say a good start has been made.” 

“I am afraid we will not find it so easy to pick up 
this junk,” replied the ensign, shaking his head dubi- 
ously. “They certainly know we are in this neighbor-, 
hood somewhere, and the chief will fight shy until he 
can manage to muster a stronger force. If we are for- 
tunate enongh to head him off before he can communi- 
cate with his gang, we can hope to accomplish a great 
deal right away. He may have a reserve force near 
some of the other islands. In that case he will no 
doubt call there first and then look us up.” 

At that moment Merrill’s attention was taken up 


MORE OF THE ENEMY. 


119 


with the ship. They were in a rather dangerous 
locality, and the Badger’s speed had been reduced until 
she barely moved through the water. A man was sta- 
tioned on each end of the bridge heaving the lead. 
Every few minutes a cast was made, and the results, 
given in a low tone, w’^ere eagerly listened to by Mark 
and the rest. 

At the ensign’s request Miller stationed himself close 
to the bow. His long experience at sea had made him 
a very reliable man in many ways, and, as a lookout, 
he was almost infallible. As he quaintly remarked, he 
“could smell terra firma farther than landlubbers could 
see it.” 

The threatened rain still held off, but there was every 
reason to expect it before daylight, if the wind did not 
take a sudden shift. The murky blackness of the night 
had not lessened in its intensity, and it was hardly pos- 
sible to see ten feet away. The young commander 
noted with satisfaction, however, that the aneroid 
barometer in the pilot-house showed no sign of fall- 
ing. After steaming slowly in a westerly direction 
for an hour, Mark decided to anchor until morn- 
ing. It was running too much risk, this wandering 
about a comparatively unknown locality with two 
islands but a few miles away. The last cast of the 
lead had shown good holding ground at twenty fathoms, 
so, after seeing all clear forward, the heavy mass 
of iron was dropped off the bow. 

The running lights had been taken in just after the 
fight with the junk, as Merrill wished to conceal his 
whereabouts from the enemy. He now ordered all 
lights extinguished, with the exception of one hidden 
from view in the chart-room. The Badger swung 
quietly at anchor, invisible in the darkness, and appar- 
ently deserted. But there were watchful eyes both fore 


120 


MORE OF THE ENEMY. 


and aft, aloft, and on deck, scanning all points of the 
compass, and ready to give the alarm at the slightest 
sign of an approaching enemy. 

The night passed without incident, except a false 
alarm in the mid-watch, caused by an overzealous sea- 
man mistaking the r:pple of a wave for the sound of 
oars. Mark slept intermittently in the chart-room, ly- 
ing on one of the cushioned seats, and the midd}^ fol- 
lowed his example at odd intervals in the pilot-house. 

Just as the first blush of dawn reddened the eastern 
sky, the anchor was catted and the cruiser got under 
way. As soon as it was light enough to discern objects 
any distance away, Merrill took the telescope and 
climbed up to the foretop. They were lying at the south- 
ern end of the channel separating the two islands, only 
one of which, the smaller, was visible. T’sin Chu lay 
hidden in a hazy mist with only the top of the volcano 
showing above. There was nothing to be seen of the 
shore, nor the junk when the ensign first took his posi- 
tion in the top, but after waiting patiently for a while 
he saw the foggy clouds devoured by the sun’s advanc- 
ing rays, and little by little the sandy beach came into 
view. 

It was only after several minutes of constant search- 
ing that he was enabled to locate the wrecked vessel. 
At last the sheen of a bit of fluttering matting caught 
his eye, and he saw the hull half-hidden behind a rocky 
promontory, broadside on the beach. There wr^s no 
sign of life around her. Nothing but the disma: tied 
fabric with two stumps sticking up from the deck, and 
a flapping sail caught on the jagged end of the bow- 
sprit. Turning his attention to the sea, Mark swept 
the horizon slowly. 

Beginning with the extreme western point, he ex- 
amined the wavering blue line inch by inch, until at 


NED GOES ON AN EXPEDITION. 


121 


last, just past the hill on which they had discovered the 
lights, he saw a tiny speck, the topsail of an approach- 
ing junko 


CHAPTER XXII. 

NED GOES ON AN EXPEDITION. 

Merrill descended to the bridge at once. He had 
rapidly formed a plan of action, and was anxious to 
carry it out without loss of time. If the approaching 
junk was the one sighted outside Shanghai, it would be 
folly to permit her to escape. Any number of excuses 
could now be given her, if she should finally prove to 
be an inoffensive trader. Joining Ned and Watson, 
the young leader, after announcing the discovery, 
briefly explained his scheme. 

“As far as I can make out she is heading this way. 
Now, my plan is to remain behind the shelter of that 
small island, always keeping the elevation between her 
and the Badger, until she reaches this passageway. 
Then steam out at full speed, and run alongside before 
her crew has any idea of our proximity.” 

“It will be a great stroke of luck to capture her chief 
this early in the game,” said Watson. “If we can 
secure him, the head of the gang, the others will no 
doubt become demoralized.” 

“There is still his lieutenant, supposed to be a young 
American,'’ remarked Ned. “He may have almost as 
much influence as the other. I think it was he who 
hailed us last night. The poor shipwrecked sailor, 
with his pals, that wanted a passage home. Well, he 
was shipwrecked before we finished with him. I wish 
I could have seen his face when we poured those sixty- 
pounder pills into his old rattle-trap. ITl bet his jaw 


122 


NED GOES ON AN EXPEDITION 


dropped a foot/’ And the middy laughed heartily at 
the recollection. 

‘‘It was no doubt an unpleasant surprise,” agreed 
Mark, joining in the mirth. “And I hope not the last 
one he will experience at our hands. But, to continue 
with this scheme, there is one thing certain: we will 
have to guard against signals from that point up there, 
and right away, too. I think it is a regular lookout 
station to notify those in the stronghold on T’sin Chu 
of approaching vessels, and to give warning if any 
man-of-war should come in sight. They know we are 
here, in fact, they are probably looking at us now, so if 
we expect to surprise them we will have to capture the 
place.” 

“Give me a boat’s crew well armed and I’ll shut 
them up,” volunteered the middy, promptly. 

“You had better take both the second cutter and the 
whaleboat, Ned,” advised Mark. “That will give 
3"ou twenty men. You may find an armed force up 
there, larger than you expect. Arm each man with a 
rifle, revolver, and cutlass, and don’t fail to leave at 
least two seamen in each boat to guard them in case of 
accidents. Start at once, and make a quick job of it. 
If 3^ou should wish to communicate with me, wigwag 
from the summit — we can see it plainly.” 

Gage immediately commenced preparations for the 
expedition. The two boats designated were lowered 
and soon occupied by their crews, whom the young 
officer had especially picked for the detail. They were 
a hardy, determined set of men, qualified for such duty. 
After receiving some minor instructions from the en- 
sign, Ned gave the command and they started for the 
beach. 

A spot some distance beyond the rocky bluff, pro- 
tected by a jutting point from the long rolling waves, 


NED GOES ON AN EXPEDITION, 


123 


had been selected for the landing. After a sharp pull 
of almost an hour, it was finally reached, and proved to 
be safe enough for the purpose. Ther^ was still a little 
sea moving, and the first cutter gave her crew a wetting 
after entering the surf, but the whaleboat, more 
adapted for the purpose, struck the sand without mis- 
hap. Gage designated four men to remain behind, and 
at the head of the rest, marched along the beach to 
where he had descried an opening in the dense under- 
growth. 

As yet nothing had been seen indicating the presence 
of human beings on the island. The stretch of sandy 
beach was very narrow, hardly affording room enough 
for two to walk abreast. A series of rocky shelves, 
topped by stunted bushes and creeping vines, formed 
the boundary inland, and back of that was higher 
ground rising gradually toward the summit. 

After walking seven or eight hundred yards the 
break in the natural barrier was reached. To Ned’s 
gratification it proved to be an apparently artificial 
opening, revealing a well-trodden path, which passed 
out of sight in devious windings not far beyond. Be- 
fore entering, the^ middy looked back and saw the 
Badger just vanishing behind the point. She had al- 
ready commenced the game of hide and seek. 

“Now, men, there must not be any loud talking,’’ 
cautioned the young leader. “Try your best to step 
carefully and make as little noise as possible. If you 
see anything, don’t fire until I give the word. Let that 
be plainly understood. If we are successful, it will 
mean an extra allowance of grog to all hands. For- 
ward!” 

At the command, given in a low voice, the party 
passed into the interior. For several minutes they 
walked slowly up the steep incline, with guns at a 


124 


XW GOES ON AN EXPEDITION 


‘‘ready” and eyes alert. Then a halt was called on a 
natural shelf completely embowered in verdure. The 
silence was almost profound. Only the occasional 
twitter of hidden birds, disturbed in their forest home, 
or the'^oft moanfng of the surf on the beach, came to 
their ears. 

At last, after a short rest, Ned gave the word to re- 
sume the march. They had barely started when the 
report of a gun sounded from up the path, and a bullet 
whizzed over their heads, striking a tree with an angry 
spat just behind. A little puff of smoke curling in the 
air above a rock in advance showed the retreat of the 
marksman, and, before the middy could stop them, sev- 
eral seamen rushed toward it. 

“Down, men! Down, I say!” shouted Gage, but he 
v/as too late. A second and then a third report rang 
out, and the two foremost of those in pursuit dropped in 
their tracks. Carried beyond his better judgment by 
this fatality, the middy ran forward, followed by the 
others, and, pistol in hand, leaped over the obstacle. 

There was no one there, but scurrying rapidly around 
a curve in the path were two Chinamen, their still 
smoking rifles trailing behind. Leveling his revolver, 
Ned took a snap shot and had the satisfaction of seeing 
one stagger and then fall to the ground. Several of the 
sailors fired at the other, but he passed out of sight evi- 
dently untouched. 

It did not need the middy’s hasty order to follow. 
Uttering hoarse cries of rage, those in front scrambled 
after him as fast as the narrow winding path would 
permit. 

Hastily ordering one of the men to look after his 
v’ounded comrades, Ned darted in pursuit. From di- 
rectly ahead came the sounds of scuffling feet and loud 
shouts. Then a wild scream echoed through the clear 


NED GOES ON AN EXPEDITION 


125 


I 


air, immediately followed by a pistol-shot. Eunning 
around a dense thicket half-closing the little roadw^ay, 
the middy came upon a thrilling scene. 

On the right of the path a crevice opened from the 
edge, extending back some hundreds of feet. Growing at 
intervals on the sloping face were scraggy bushes, and, 
hanging to one of these was the remaining Chinaman, 
his face blanched to the whiteness of paper, and a 
stream of blood trickling down his neck. Just over- 
head a jagged hole, large enough to admit a man’s 
body could be seen, and leading up to it was a notched 
tree-trunk now partially displaced. 

All this Gage saw in one rapid glance, then grasping 
the situation, he sternly ordered some of the sailors to 
lend a hand in rescuing the terrified wretch. It was 
from no desire to save the assassin’s worthless life, but 
simply in obedience to an order of Mark’s to try and 
bring a prisoner on board. 

The sailors demurred at the command, but a few 
authoritative words from their leader caused them to 
obey. It was only a dozen feet to the limb from which 
he was hanging, so by placing the primitive ladder fur- 
ther over, one of the men was able to climb up and 
grasp him by the arms. After several minutes of 
work, during which he was handled none too gently, 
the Celestial was lowered to the path. 

Ned tied up the wound in his neck, a mere scratch of 
the flesh, and ordered him securely bound. It was 
easily seen their captive was not one of the ordinary 
coast natives. Unlike them, he was tall and broad 
shouldered, and possessed a powerful frame. His face 
was repulsive, and displayed little intelligence, and the 
expression of brutal cunning about his eyes showed that 
no quarter could be expected from him, or his class if 
the circumstances were reversed. Gage recognized in 


126 


NED GOES ON AN EXPEDITION 


him the characteristics of a tribe inhabiting the moun- 
tain regions of the interior of China. 

On the way back to where the balance of the party 
bad been left, the middy tried to question his prisoner 
in English, but without success. He either did not 
understand or would not answer, simply replying in 
unintelligible grunts. They passed the body of the 
man Ned had shot. He was still lying in the path, 
and a bullet hole in the back just under the left shoul- 
der-blade showed that the aim taken under such disad- 
vantages had been a true one. It was rolled to one 
side, and covered with leaves and branches of trees. 

The young leader was glad to see both men sitting 
up when they reached the little bower.' One of the 
sailors had brought a breaker of water from the whale- 
boat, and was engaged in bathing their wounds, which 
as he speedily found, were not dangerous. One was 
shot in the fleshy part of the thigh remote from an 
artery, and the other had been hit in the right leg. The 
wounds were evidently very painful, and would be the 
better for a careful dressing, but there was no reason to 
fear any fatal results. Tearing off the sleeve of his 
shirt, Ned bandaged them in a skillful manner, and 
ordered both to return to the boats with the prisoner. 

He had hardly completed the operation, when, with 
an exclamation of excitement, one of the sailors pointed 
up to where the summit of the hill could be dimly seen 
through the foliage. Soaring high into the heavens 
a dense cloud of smoke, gaining volume with every 
moment. It was the signal they had been sent ashore 
to prevent. 


LOOKOUT POINT 


m 


CHAPTER XXIII. 

LOOKOUT POINT. 

Ned Gage felt deeply vexed when he saw the coluinn 
of smoke on Lookout Point. Although the incidents 
which prevented him from reaching the summit in 
time were due to no fault of his, yet the mere fact of 
being defeated in his object caused the middy to grit 
his teeth in sore disappointment. He was tempted to 
return to the Badger at once, but the possibility of ac- 
complishing something to redeem the day caused him 
to order the party to continue the ascent. 

Every precaution was taken to prevent a repetition 
of the ambuscade. A man was sent on ahead with in- 
structions to advance cautiously, keeping under protec- 
tion of the rocks and trees, and to retreat at once if he 
sighted the enemy. On arriving at the crevice where 
their prisoner had been captured, Ned examined it care- 
fully. According to the statement of the seaman who 
fired the shot, the Chinaman was in the act of climbing 
up the tree-trunk toward the opening in the rock when 
the bullet struck him. The shock caused him to lose 
his footing and befell, catching the limb in his descent. 

Suspecting this was a secret passageway to the top, 
Ned ordered the ladder replaced and climbed through 
the opening. The interior was dark at first, but when 
his eyes became accustomed to the change he saw a 
short flight of rude steps cut in the rocky face at the 
end. The little chamber seemed to be partly of arti- 
ficial formation and was only an entry way to a smaller 
passage gained by ascending the steps. A faint glim- 
mer of light was dimly visible beyond, indicating that 
the corrider led into the open air not far distant. 


128 


LOOKOUT POINT 


Calling to the seamen to follow him, Gage pene- 
trated the passage, and, after a short walk, emerged on 
a shelf which he quickly saw was within four or five 
yards of the top. It was effectually concealed from the 
sea by a natural curtain of vines which grew in luxu- 
rious profusion on all sides. Directly overhead was the 
edge of the summit, projecting slightly out from the 
cliff. A rude ladder made of twisted vines hung just 
out of reach, where it had evidently been hauled by 
those above when the two scouts went down to meet 
the invaders. 

Ned ordered his men back into the passage and then, 
after a moment’s thought, dispatched several of them for 
the notched tree-trunk bridging the crevice. Presently 
they returned dragging it up by a rope brought from 
the boats. W ith the utmost caution the heavy tree 
was placed in position at one end of the shelf, and, 
while some of the sailors steadied it, the middy crept to 
the top. 

He only went high enough at first to be able to peer 
over the edge. What he saw caused him to turn and 
beckon to those below to follow him and then climb out 
of sight. When the next one reached the overhang he 
found the middy standing close to the end of the impro- 
vised ladder with his finger on his lips in a cautionary 
manner. The summit was a large flat space, encircled 
by trees, but bare in the center. A pole probably 
twenty feet high stood close to the side directly opposite 
T’sin Chu, supporting on its top a little circular plat- 
form with a framework for displaying a flashlight. 

At the base was a primitive hut, constructed of slabs 
of bark. Near the signal tower a huge fire still sent 
forth dense clouds of smoke which spread out in the 
still summer air overhead like a pall. But what in- 
stantly attracted the attention of the seamen as they 


LOOKOUT POINT. 


129 


crawled up one at a time was a little group of China- 
men, five in number, clustered at the head of what 
seemed to be a pathway leading down the sloping side 
of the hill. They were armed with guns held in readi- 
ness to fire at an instant’s warning. 

Ned smiled grimly when he saw the preparations for 
a warm reception which was undoubtedy intended for 
his party. When a dozen of sailors had ranged them- 
selves at his side he bade them level their pieces, and, 
then stepping slightly forward, called out, fiercely : 

‘^Surrender, or ITl fire!” 

The effect was magical. 

The pirate guard wheeled around with surprising 
agility and stood dumfounded, staring at the line of 
fro wning muzzles threatening them from the rear. 

‘‘Drop those guns! Drop them, I say, or weTl fire!” 
shouted Gage, flourishing his revolver. 

In the excitement of the moment one of the men dis- 
charged his piece and the bullet, whistling past their 
ears, emphasized the middy’s words in a manner that 
produced immediate results. 

. Gesticulating and jabbering away in their peculiar 
language the entire five threw their guns upon the 
ground and then stood with hands raised in token of 
surrender. Bidding half his men keep their rifles 
leveled, Ned went over with the balance and soon had 
the pirates bound hand and foot. 

Selecting one whom by his actions seemed to be the 
leader, the middy asked him if he understood English. 
At first the Chinaman shook his head, but the manner 
in which he did it impressed Gage with the belief that 
he was lying. 

Grasping him roughly by the shoulder he placed the 
muzzle of the revolver against his head, and exclaimed, 
sternly : 


130 


LOOKOUT POINT. 


“I’ll give you just one minute to tell the truth, you 
clog! You understand what I say, don’t you?” 

The man shrank away from the c3old steel and tlien 
muttered, sullenly: 

“Yes, sir, I speak it a little, sir.” 

“It is well you concluded you did,” said Gage, 
grimly. He was hardly able to conceal his satisfaction 
at the result of his maneuver. It would simplify mat- 
ters a great deal. 

“Now that you comprehend all I say, you had better 
obey me in everything I tell you, else ” 

The significant gesture toward the line of seamen 
still drawn up with their rifles ready was not lost on 
the Mongolian. It was far more expressive than words 
could be. 

“What is that fire burning for?” asked the middy. 

The man hesitated a moment, looked at his compan- 
ions and then replied : 

“We use that to cook on, sir.” 

Gage beckoned to a couple of seamen and told them 
to lead the speaker within a few ^-ards of the armed 
file. Then standing to one side, he raised one hand 
and repeated the question slowly : 

“What is the object of that smoke?” 

The reason for the little move was evidently under- 
stood by the prisoner. He glanced hurriedly and with 
blanched face at the waiting seamen, and then an- 
swered : 

“Ah! sir; don’t kill me and I will explain all. We 
made the fire as a danger signal to warn our chief’s 
junk that a war vessel is near the island.” 

“So that is your chief on the one in sight over 
there,” said Ned. “Well, that is news I am glad to 
hear. I’ll run up the tower and see how close he is.” 

Suiting the action to the word he climbed a rope 


LOOKOUT POINT. 


131 


ladder leading to the little platform, and on reaching 
the 'op gazed eagerly to seaward. Plainly visible not 
over Mve miles away was the pirate craft, but now 
lieading in the opposite direction. They had undoubt- 
edly taken alarm and were trying to escape from the 
threatening danger. 

Glancing over the edge of the cliff Ned saw the 
Badger moving just fast enough to counteract the cur- 
rent. She was not too far distant for him to make out 
Mark’s familiar form on the bridge. Snatching a 
small white flag from his coat pocket the middy waved 
it back and forth in a half-circle over his head. At 
first it was not noticed, but he continued the move- 
ments until a flutter of bunting in the ensign’s hand 
signiiied that he had seen him and was in readiness to 
receive the message. 

Using the code adopted in the navy, Ned rapidly 
spelled out the following sentence: 

‘ ‘ J link taken alarm ; has changed course. Now steer- 
ing west.” 

Immediately the answer came back. 

‘‘ Will pursue at once. Wait until ” 

At that moment the middy broke the other’s message 
by frantically waving his flag up and down in front of 
him. Then he transmitted a familiar motion signify- 
ing: 

“Hold as you are.” 

Alter pausj^g a moment to see whether Mark under- 
stood, he hui^TJedly returned to the ground and asked 
the prisoner what signal they made when the coast was 
clear. The Chinaman was now too thoroughly sub- 
dued to refuse anything requested of him. 

“We make short puffs of smoke, sir,” he replied. 
“When there is danger it is one continuous column, 
but ^hen nothing is in sight we build a fire of burbo 


132 


LOOKO UT POINT. 


leaves and hold a wet matting over it, taking it away 
every little while to let the smoke go up in a puff. If 
you wish, sir, I’ll do it now, and they will come in 
again.” 

Ned immediately released him from his bonds, and 
in a short time the big fire was out and the second one 
kindled nearby. Running up the ladder again the 
middy signaled to Merrill what he had accomplished, 
winning a gesture of approval from the young com- 
mander. 

At first the junk did not seem to pay any attention 
to the new signal, but presently she was seen to come 
to the wind and head in a direction which would carry 
her past the lower end of T’sin Chu. This Gage also 
communicated to Mark. 

For the next half-hour he remained on the lookout 
platform keeping those on the Badger posted as to the 
movements of the junk. It crept nearer and nearer 
until at last the middy wigwagged that it was about 
to enter the passage between the two islands. Merrill 
then ordered him to descend at once with his prisoners 
and pull on board, leaving several men in charge of the 
lookout. Calling below to the sailors. Gage told them 
to start down the path with the Chinamen and get in 
the boats as quickly as possible. He wished to remain 
until the last moment, so that he could have the latest 
information of the pirate vessel’s position. 

It was well he did so. 

Chancing to glance over toward T’sin G hu he caught 
sight of several masts projecting above a low point of 
land. They were the spars of two junks moving 
rapidly toward the passage ! 


THE BADGER BREAKS DOWN. 


133 


CHAPTER XXIV. 

THE BADGER BREAKS DOWN. 

Gage stared for a moment in surprise, and then 
turned quickly to signal the Badger, but she had passed 
out of sight behind the cliff. Scrambling down from 
the lookout mast he hurried to the beach by way of the 
secret passage, taking the two men with him that had 
remained there to steady the tree-trunk. 

It was but the work of a moment to embark the 
party, and both boats were soon eii route for the steamer, 
which, by that time, had reached a point only a half- 
mile away. From his station on the bridge Mark saw 
the middy standing erect in the stern of the whaleboat 
waving his hand toward T’sin Chu. He knew from 
that something had occurred, but still he was hardly 
prepared for the information Ned gave him on board- 
ing the cruiser. 

‘‘There are two large junks over there, Mark, and 
they are moving out to join the other one,” reported the 
latter, out of breath from his hurry. “I counted four 
masts, and lofty ones too.” 

“How far beyond the Point were they?” 

“Not over a thousand yards. They ought to come 
in sight at any moment.” 

Merrill signaled full speed on the engine-room indi- 
cator and ^directed the man at the wheel to steer 
straight down the middle of the channel. He then 
ordered the boatswain to call all hands to general quar- 
ters and requested the middy and Watson to get their 
divisions in readiness as speedily as possible. 

“Bring up fifty rounds apiece for each gun, half shell 
and the rest solid shot. Don’t fire until I give the 


124 


THE BADGER BREAKS DOWN. 


signal on the whistle, then continue until you hear 
from me. Try to not waste a charge. Another impor- 
tant point — remember that three blasts once repeated is 
to call all hands to repel boarders. It will not be given 
without the necessity is great, so when you hear it, 
drop everything, arm your men with cutlasses and re 
volvers, and run on deck. However, if the engines are 
nut disabled I think we can maneuver quickly enough 
to keep the enemy at a respectful distance.” 

After the ensign had finished his directions, Ned and 
Watson went below, and within five minutes a mes- 
senger reported everything in readiness in that quarter. 
Miller had already mustered the men in charge of the 
Gatlings, these guns still remaining on their carriages 
since the previous evening. There was now no further 
need of disguising the character of the Badger, Her 
object had been effectually explained by the repulse of 
the pirate junk. 

It was Mark’s opinion that word had been carried to 
the stronghold by some of the wrecked crew, thereby 
causing the two other vessels to be sent out for the pur- 
pose of giving battle. Although not despising the 
strength of the enemy, still the ensign believed victory 
would crown his efforts that day. He now had great 
faith in the fighting qualities of his crew, and an un- 
bounded confidence in the destructive power of the sixty- 
pounder breech-loaders. They were both destined to 
be put to the test, and that before very long. 

As yet neither of the junks was visible from the 
cruiser’s deck. The one supposed to be carrying the 
chief was still hidden behind Lookout Island, and the 
other one had not cleared the lower point of T’sin Chu. 
The Badger was steaming at full speed up the passage 
between the islands, and the probabilities were the 
three ships would meet at the mouth of the channel. 


THE BADGER BREAKS DOWN. 


135 


Mark sent a man to the foretop to report the first in- 
dications of the enemy. The sailor had hardly reached 
his post when he climbed hurriedly down again, and 
stated that the masts of the two junks were in plain 
sight a little offshore and a short distance to the east- 
ward. There was no sign of the other. 

By this time the steamer had nearly reached the open 
sea. A few minutes later and she passed beyond the 
islands. The ensign’s first thought was of the one 
carrying the leader. One glance in that direction re- 
vealed the unwelcome fact that she w^as steering close 
hauled to the westward* They had evidently taken 
alarm again and were trying to escape. 

“Hard aport!” cried Merrill to the man at the wheel. 
“Over with her, lads, over with her.” 

Running to the speaking tube leading to the engine- 
room, he roared down an order to crowd on every pound 
of steam possible. 

“That junk will not get away this time if I can help 
it,” he said to Miller, grimly. 

Then looking hastily toward the quarter he saw the 
other vessels of the fleet moving down with the wind. 
There were two of them ; large, well-built, and, as he 
saw at a glance through the spy -glass, armed with sev- 
eral guns each. The decks seemed black with men, 
crowding every conceivable space from the forecastle 
to the poop. Aft, near the huge unwieldy tiller on the 
foremost one, stood a man whose actions proclaimed 
him the commander. Although dressed in the Mon- 
golian costume yet Merrill was able to see that he was 
not a native. Further examination was summarily 
stopped by a puff of white smoke bursting from the 
junk’s forecastle. Before the sound reached them a 
splash in the water to the right showed the spot struck 
by the ball. The combat had commenced. 


136 


THE BADGER BREAKS DOWN, 


Mark laughed quietl}’. He was cod fideiit the Badger’s 
superior speed would carry him out of reach before they 
were able to do any damage. Then, after he had cap- 
tured the fleeing junk he would return and give them 
all the fight they wanted. This he said to a question 
from Miller wdiether he did not intend repaying the 
compliment just received. 

The cruiser was traveling at least fourteen miles an 
hour by this time. The order previously given by Mer- 
rill had produced an immediate effect, and eveiy pos- 
sible turn the propeller w^as capable of giving had been 
called into play. The increased strain was apparent in 
the strong quivering of the hull and the impetus 
given by each forward plunge. A black column of 
smoke from the funnel, edged here and there by a jet 
of steam, showed that every means were being taken to 
augment the draught. 

‘‘We are gaining hand over hand. Miller,” remarked 
the young ensign, pointing ahead to where the junk 
could be seen wobbling about in the light breeze. She 
was now not over a mile away, but the distance was 
being rapidly lessened. An occasional boom could be 
heard from astern and at times the shots struck rather 
close, but none touched the ship. Everything pointed 
to the speedy capture of the pirate chief, which would, 
as Merrill expected, place the key of the situation in 
his grasp; when suddenly and without warning, a loud 
crash shook the Badger violently, and the engines 
stopped working! 


THE COMBAT BEGINS. 


137 


CHAPTER XXV. 

THE COMBAT BEGINS. 

A CLOUE of steam rushiog up through the eugine- 
room grating proclaimed that some disaster had hap- 
pened below. Springing to the speaking-tube Mark 
tried to ascertain the nature of the accident, but the 
loud roaring of the escaping vapor prevented his being 
heard. Just then the assistant engineer appeared un 
deck with a message from the chief stating that the 
high pressure cylinder had blown out, and it would 
require at least four hours to repair it. This was seri- 
ous news. 

‘‘Miller, call some of the hands from the gun deck 
and set the fore and aft sails,'’ exclaimed Mark, hur- 
riedly. “Work lively, or we will have those devils 
down on us before we can get the ship under control. 
Spread the staysails first.” 

A man came up from Ned to see what had happened. 
Calling him over the ensign bade him run down and 
tell Mr. Watson to fire at the junk in front and to try 
and cripple her rigging. 

Seizing the telescope, Merrill looked astern and saw 
by the excitement on the pursuer’s decks that the acci- 
dent to the cruiser had been discovered. Extra sails 
were being hoisted, and a bustle around the batteries 
forward indicated the promise of a speedy attack. The 
young commander stamped his feet in an excess of 
vexation and disappointment. Everything had been in 
his favor, and now at the supreme moment something 
had to occur to snatch the prize from his hands. He 
thoroughly realized the peril the predicament had 
placed them in. The few sails they were able to spread 


loS 


THE COMBAT BEGIJSTS. 


would not be of any great use. What he feared above 
everything was the possibility of being boarded. If 
the junks could get near enough to pour their hordes on 
the Badger’s decks it would take hard fighting and 
good luck to defeat them. The danger lay in the sheer 
weight of overpow^ering numbers. 

Just then Watson fired the pivot gun. When the 
smoke cleared away Mark looked anxiously for the 
result. It was a good line shot, but a little too high, 
and he could see the splashing in the sea a short dis- 
tance ahead where it ricocheted after striking the 
water. 

After an interval of a couple of minutes another re- 
port sounded. This time the shell went true to its 
mark, and, to the ensign’s joy, hit the junk abaft the 
foremast, tearing a large hole in the bulwarks. It ex- 
ploded a second later, sending a leaden hail through the 
rigging, slitting sails and severing ropes in every direc- 
tion. The junk lost her way at once, wearing around 
until she drifted broadside to the sea. Merrill leaned 
on the bridge and shouted through his trumpet down 
the fore hatch, praising the second oflScer for his re- 
markable shot. 

'^I never saw a better one, or any that came more 
opportune,” he added to himself. “Now they will 
have hard work getting away while we are engaged 
with those other fellows.” 

Mr. Watson, elated at his success, sent another shell 
hurtling through the air. It also struck the hull, doing 
much damage. This last shot caused the immediate 
hoisting of a white flag on the mainmast, at the sight 
of which Mark sent word to cease firing. He would 
have dispatched the boats to complete the capture, but 
every man was now needed in the impending combat 
with the other junks. They were nearing the Badger 


THE COMBAT BEGINS. 


139 


rapidly, but for some reason had silenced their guns. 
By this time the jibs and staysails were hoisted, and a 
gang of men were hard at work on the fore and main. 

The steamer had paid off before the wind and was 
slowly forging ahead, but it w’as little more than sleer- 
agewaj. Her huge bulk and the drag of the propeller- 
blades rendered it very difficult for the small sail power 
to move her. Seeing the immediate necessity for a 
greater spread of canvas, Mark sent down to Ned ask- 
ing him to report on deck with more men. The middy 
obeyed at once and went to work with the additional 
seamen at the main. In ten minutes both the foiesail 
and spanker were set and drawing finely. 

The young commander heaved a sigh of relief when 
he felt the impulse given the Badger’s speed by the ad- 
ditional canvas. The wind was blowing off the land, 
and from present indications would freshen before long. 
This could be considered favorable if it did not increas^e 
too much. A gale under present circumstances might 
result unpleasantly for the disabled steamer. There 
were other things beside the weather to claim Mark’s 
attention at this time. The two junks had arrived 
within easy range and made the fact apparent by dis- 
charging a broadside at the cruiser. Both vessels wore 
around at the same time, and the report of the guns 
came almost simultaneously. 

Only one of the shots struck the steamer, hitting the 
hull just forward of the pivot ports. The heavy shell 
went clean through before exploding, and the only 
damage resulting was a cracking of the side plates. 

Ned had returned to his station at the after battery 
on setting the last sail, and was anxiously awaiting 
the signal to commence firing. At last, Merrill, whose 
policy was to reserve his fire until an efficient range 
had been secured, pulled the whistle cord, at the same 


140 


THE COMBAT BEGINS. 


time ordering the wheelman to starboard the helm. 
The Badger fell off until finally the junks were on the 
port beam. Then with a thunderous roar that shook 
the deck, both sixty-pounders sent forth their iron mes- 
sengers of destruction. 

“Hurrah !” shouted Miller from his position near the 
Gatlings, when the smoke cleared away. His cheer 
was echoed by Mark and the young surgeon, the latter 
having run up from the hospital cjuarters to see the 
commencement of the combat. There was good cause 
for their joy. The foremost junk had been hulled by 
both shells just at the water line, and the subsequent 
explosion inboard had created terrible havoc. Men 
were seen over the side endeavoring to stop with wooden 
plugs the cavities through which the water poured at 
every roll, while others flew about decks splicing the 
rigging in places where it had been cut. 

There was evidently a thorough discipline on board, 
as in a very few moments the disabled craft was again 
underway following her consort. The latter fired 
another broadside at short range, striking the Badger 
in several spots. One of the shells burst near the pivot 
gun on the lower deck, killing and wounding five or six 
men. Dr. Agnew hastened to the after cabin, which 
had been turned into a sick-bay, and, assisted by An- 
thracite, immediately set to work alleviating the 
injured. 

A messenger came running up with the intelligence 
that Watson had escaped unhurt, and the gun was still 
fit for use. Another of the shells penetrated the fun- 
nel, carrying away several guys and touring a jagged 
hole in the iron pipe. As yet no damage had been 
created aloft, and the sails were still drawing finely. 

A cheering report came from the chief engineer at 
this moment, stating that tlie repairs were well in 


THE COMBAT BEGINS. 


141 


hand, and, if nothing hindered, would be completed 
within less than the time stated before. The crews at 
the guns were not as many in number as before the 
accident, over a dozen having been taken to work the 
various sails. Enough remained to render eflScient 
work, as the frequent reports testified. Neither the 
middy nor Watson waited for further signals from the 
whistle, but fired as quickly as the guns could be 
loaded. 

The engagement had now become general. There 
was little advantage as yet on either side. Each of the 
three combatanfcs bore traces in plenty of the severe 
cannonading, but none had received any fatal injury. 

Mark, from his station on the bridge, directed the 
movements of the Badger with but little excitement in 
his manner. He was naturally cool and methodical, 
and under circumstances like the present his sang froid 
only increased. The splendid marksmanship displayed 
by Ned and the second officer inspired him with confi- 
dence, and he dispatched messenger after messenger 
down to both with a detailed description of the results 
as an incentive to renewed efforts. 

Miller, who from his lack of experience in military 
matters would be naturally expected to display some 
emotion, simply watched the progress of the combat 
with critical glances; every now and then uttering a 
smothered roar of delight when some shot would strike 
the enemy in a particularly invulnerable spot. Off to 
leeward, the disabled junk floated helplessly at the 
mercy of the waves, but a certain activity among her 
crew showed that repairs were being attempted. 

During the last half-hour the three vessels had drawn 
much nearer to each other, although Merrill was using 
every effort to keep the junks at a distance, outside of 
absolutely retreating. He wfished to continue the fight 


THE COMBAT BEGIJSTS. 


14-i 

on tlie present lines until the engines were again in 
working order, then steam at full speed, maneuvering 
the cruiser so that he could rake the enemy’s decks 
vbile not exposing himself to a broadside fire. 

The distance was still too great for Gatlings, a fact 
which caused the third officer much annoyance. He 
was anxious to take an active part in the fracas, and 
watched the enemy’s approach impatiently. The 
coui\ 0 steered by the Badger had carried her toward 
Lookout Island, and it soon became apparent to Mark 
that he w’ould have to wear ship, as the beach w^as 
dangerousl}^ near. It was a maneuver he did not care 
to execute, as it would expose him broadside to the 
junks for a while, thus offering them a larger target to 
fire at. But the necessity could not be avoided, so he 
issued his orders to the boatswain, the latter rei>eating 
them to the crew. 

Before commencing to wear, Merrill sent word to the 
gim-deck to discharge both guns simultaneously, as 
soon as they could be loaded. Then under cover of the 
smoke he brought the cruiser on the other tack before 
the enemy learned what he intended doing. As soon 
as they saw the ruse both vessels blazed away, succeed- 
ing^ this time in cutting the steamer’s rigging in many 
important places. 

The young ensign gazed upon the wreck in dismay 
for a moment, then his voice rang out along the decks 
calling all hands to repair damages. Watson, hearing 
the command, sent up part of his men, retaining just 
enough to work the pivot gun at greater intervals. He 
also dispatched a messenger to Ned, advising him of 
the disaster, and the latter hurried up with one-half of 
his division, leaving the battery in charge of a super- 
numerary. 

“This is bad business, Mark,” breathed the middy, 


THE COMBAT BEGIN 8. 


143 


joioing Merrill on the bridge. He spoke truly, for of 
the various sails spread to the wiud only two were now 
drawing. The spanker had been partly torn from the 
gaff, hanging in disordered festoons over the boom. 
The foresail was in shreds, and one staysail had been 
cut loose from its halyards. The jibs forward were all 
that remained. 

The cruiser had just made the tack when this hap- 
pened, and therefore did not have an opportunity to 
regain the speed lost while wearing. She now rolled 
nearly helpless, unable to move more thai^ a knot an 
hour, and that sideways. The pirates were not slow in 
seeing the Badger’s predicament. A fierce yell came 
from both junks, repeated again and again. They 
ceased firing and bent all their energies toward board- 
ing their prey. The distance between the combatants 
was now too slight to admit of any hope. It would 
require many minutes of hard work to repair the sails, 
and even then the space lost could not be regained. 
Mark saw this and ordered the ship cleared for action. 

“Run down below, Ned, and tell Watson to reserve 
his fire until they are within five hundred yards, then 
let them have it. After that he is to hurry on deck, 
with his men armed to the teeth. Give your second 
similar instructions, and then return here.” 

After the middy had departed Merrill turned his at- 
tention to the Gatling battery. Miller was in readi- 
ness, having stationed himself at one gun. The hop- 
pers of both were loaded to the rim, and all that now 
remained was to aim the cylinder and turn the crank. 

“Aim low, Jeff,” cautioned the. ensign. “Wait 
until you can see the whites of their eyes and then 
don’t stop until the victory is ours. Fire where the 
crowds^’ are thickest, and try to make every bullet reach 
a billet.” 


144 


CLOSE QUARTERS, 


Satisfied that Miller would do good work, he turned 
away and continued the preparations. Sixty men were 
armed with rifles and distributed along the railings. 
Others were ordered to the tops similarly equipped; 
the lire hose was let out, and word sent to the engine- 
room to have plenty of hot water in readiness, and then 
Merrill concluded that everything possible had been 
done to meet the enemy. 


CHAPTER XXVI. 

CLOSE QUARTERS. 

Although the work had been carried on rapidly, 
yet almost before the last length of hose was attached 
to the connecting pipe a volley rang out from the third 
officer’s machine gun. 

Whir r-r! rattle! bang! bang! 

The leaden hail zipped and whistled through the air, 
and presently there came a chorus of shrieks and groans 
from the leading junk. The Gatlings were doing 
frightful execution. A dense crowd of men on the lofty 
forecastle were literally mowed down like ripened 
wheat before the reaper’s scythe. Sitting on the little 
saddle of the tripod carriage, Jeff slowly sWept the 
cluster of barrels back and forth, turning the crank 
handle with quiet energy. 

Mark found time to shout a brief word of praise in 
his ear, and then he felt the deck shake under his feet 
with the discharge of the two heavy guns. His orders 
to Ned had been literally carried out. The pirate ships 
were not three lengths away when the shells struck 
them. The crash of shattered timbers was plainly 
heard, and even the cries of a host of dying wretches. 


CLOSE QUARTERS. 


145 


The lumbering vessels reeled under the blow at first, 
but, forced on by their spread of sail, they ran alongside 
of the Badger, and in obedience to their leader’s com- 
mand a number of grappling-irons were cast over the 
cruiser’s side, holding her fast between them. 

When Mark saw thai^ nothing could prevent the 
junks from closing in on him, he immediately sounded 
the alarm signal, and, putting the trumpet to his lips, 
shouted : 

“All hands repel boarders!” 

The command was hardly necessary, as every man 
of the crew saw the impending danger and used every 
exertion to meet the attack. Miller poured volley after 
volley from the Gatlings into the crowded decks, and 
when the vessels came together he literally raked one 
junk fore and aft. It was a miracle that any escaped 
being killed by the fiery hail, and as it was scores fell 
victims to the deadly weapon’s destructive power. 

The seamen in the tops also did fine work, two or 
three forward, good sharp-shooters, bringing down a 
man at every shot. The crew of the Badger suffered 
considerably from the desultory fire of the enemy. 

A number of them had been carried down to the 
temporary hospital where Dr. Angew, with his sleeves 
rolled up, was working as he had never worked before 
in his life, amputating and bandaging, probing for bul- 
lets, and administering narcotics, ably assisted by the 
black steward, Anthracite. 

Lying in odd corners of the spar-deck were inanimate 
forms, tossed aside as an incumbrance in the excite- 
ment of the fray, but there were not many of these, far 
less than the heaps of figures bestrewing the decks of 
the pirate fleet. 

Mark had been scratched by a fragment of shell 
early in the fight. The iron missile carried away his 


146 


CLOSE QUABTEB8. 


cap, just grazing the scalp in passing. Although quite 
painful, he heeded it not, and simply tying a handker- 
chief around his head, directed the crew as before. All 
the other officers had escaped injury so far, so when the 
two vessels ran alongside both Ned and Watson were 
in readiness to lead the men in defending the deck. 

The din of contiict was deafening. Cries and groans 
from the injured, the sharp rattling of musketry, and 
the shouts of rage and excitement from hundreds of 
throats, all created such a tumult that the young 
ensign, from his position on the bridge, could scarcely 
make himself heard. 

“Stand by with axes, men,” he sung out, on seeing 
the preparations for throwing the grappling-irons. 
“ Cut the ropes. Don’t let one hold fast. You sharp- 
shooters in the bow there, pick off those men ready to 
cast the hooks. Mow them down ; our only salvation 
lies in keeping them from boarding.” 

Quick to see the object of their commander’s wishes, 
four or five sailors grabbed axes from the racks and 
hacked frantically at the ropes connecting the irons. 
Others devoted their efforts toward freeing the hooks 
from where they had caught in the railing, while a 
number, under the able guidance of the second officer, 
lifted a fragment of the spanker gaff that had fallen to 
the deck and prepared to use it as a fender against one 
of the junks. 

Ned, from a position hear the bow, was using bis re- 
volver with telling effect. He mounted the forecastle 
liatch-cover, and stood in a commanding position, in- 
spiring those under him by his daring actions. The 
middy had one main object in thus climbing above the 
level of the deck. He was trying to espy the foreigner 
who so ably led the pimtes. 

Running his eye over the throngs of Chinamen form- 


GL08E qUARTEIt8. 


147 


ing the crews, he at last found the object of his search. 
Standing on the high poop of the vessel on the port side 
of the Badger was the man. He also held a revolver, 
and, just as Ned discovered him, was in the act of aim- 
ing it at Merrill, who formed a conspicuous target on 
the bridge. 

Quick as a flash, Gage fired. The bullet sped true to 
its mark, striking the pirate lieutenant in the breast. 
He staggered back, then fell, clutching the wooden 
bulwark as he sunk out of sight behind it. 

Ned gave an involuntary cheer and coolly turned his 
attention to a Chinaman who rushed to the assistance 
of his chief. Two more shots rang out from the 
middy’s pistol. Grasping frantically at the empty air, 
the Mongolian reeled, and then stumbled prostrate over 
the body of the other. 

Gage cheer(3d again, and took rapid aim at a third 
man, but at that moment he was hit by one of the many 
bullets flying in all directions. Dropping his revolver 
he clasped his hands with spasmodic effort to his breast 
and then quietly slid off the hatch unconscious. Mark 
happened to glance in that direction just as it occurred. 
He saw his friend fall, and, almost beside himself with 
rage and sorrow, shouted to several men forward to 
carry Gage below to the surgeon. 

As 5 "et neither of the junks had come close enough to 
allow their men to board the cruiser. The strenuous 
efforts of the pirates were directed to that purpose, and 
all the work of the Badger’s crew was devoted to its 
prevention. On the starboard quarter there was a 
space of about twenty feet between the steamer and one 
of the junks, but forward, near where the middy had 
met with disaster, the distance was not so great. 

Forced by the wind and the exertion of her crew the 
pirate ship was gradually drawing nearer. A little 


CLOSE QUARTERS. 


M8 

more and the mob of yelling, bloodthirsty Chinese 
would pour in an overwhelming stream on the Badger’s 
deck. There seemed no alternative but to rally the 
crew to that point, and engage in a hand-to-hand con- 
flict. 

Suddenly Mark called out for the second oflBcer. The 
’word was passed from man to man until it reached 
Watson. He ran to the bridge and was hurriedly 
asked by the ensign if the pivot gun was loaded. On 
being answered in the affirmative, Merrill said : 

“Rush below with a couple of men, depress the muz- 
zle as much as you can, and fire into that junk on the 
port bow. Send a solid shot through the bottom. It 
may sink her, and we will have one less to contend 
with. Go, and may luck go with you.” 

Watson was off the bridge before the last sentence 
was concluded. Calling a couple of men to follow him 
he plunged below. Mark watched the huge misshapen 
hull draw nearer; he saw the hosts of villainous cut- 
throats armed to the teeth, ready for the spring, and he 
silently whispered to himself : 

“Will he be in time?” 

His answer came in the roar of the sixty-pounder 
rifle and the crash and the grinding, shattering noise 
of the ball as it tore its way through side and bottom 
into the deep. 

The concussion at such closequarters forced the two 
vessels farther apart. They were now separated by 
sixty feet at least, and the young commander saw with 
an overwhelming joy that the junk would never cover 
the distance again. 

Even above the spiteful cracking of small arms and 
the tumult of many voices, he heard the rushi.^g of 
water as it entered the pirate ship’s hold. She had 
already commenced to settle. Lower and yet lower; a 


CLOSE QUARTERS. 


149 


sinking of the bow deeper after each wave; a quivering 
of the strong wooden framework; a groaning of tim- 
bers as if in protest — there were no other signs needed 

show that her moments were numbered above the 
ocean’s level. 

The scene on her deck was indescribable. The crew 
was not long in learning of their new danger. Rush- 
ing forward and aft, climbing the high bow and poop, 
trying to lower the few little boats, they went in frantic 
haste. All restraint, all discipline was at an end. 
OlBcers and men, each looked to his own safety, and 
few found it. The end had come! 

A quick lurch forward, then another and another 
deeper plunge, and the junk, still freighted with her vile 
crew, sank from sight, leaving bubbles and wreckage 
and struggling forms of drowning men to mark her 
grave I 

When she had disappeared, Mark saw just beyond a 
small cockle-shell of a boat headed toward the disabled 
junk astern. In it he descried several figures lying in 
the bottom, which he shrewdl}^ guessed were those of 
the white lieutenant and other officers. The ensign 
gave one brief but longing glance at the little craft. 
He would have given much to capture them, but there 
was still work to be done in another quarter. 

Merrill was so highly pleased with the success Of the 
former shot that he would have ordered Watson to try 
his skill on the other junk still hanging to the Badger’s 
quarter, but he saw at once that she was too far aft for 
the range of the broadside guns. 

Moreover, when he turned his attention to her he 
noticed a change on board. Instead of trying to draw 
closer to the cruiser with the aid of their grappling- 
irons, the entire crow was busily engaged in a frantic 
endeavor to free their ship from the steamer. They 


150 


THE JUNK DISAPPEARS. 


had evidently seen the fate of their consort and now 
felt little like continuing the combat alone with such a 
formidable foe. 

“By George! we will capture them anyway I’iJ 
shouted the ensign to Miller in a voice full of determina- 
tion. “Turn both the machine guns on their starboard 
bulwark, Jeff. Don’t let any one touch those ropes. 
Sweep the . muzzles slowly up and down — that’s it. 
Hurrah ! you are keeping them back ! Oh I if we only 
had steam on the engines for five minutes, or even sails 
enough to move this old hooker. Just so we could 
wear around and give them a couple of broadsides.” 

The wish, although fervently uttered, did not bring 
any result. During all the many phases of the com bat, 
even when the ship was in deadly peril, the chief engi- 
neer had kept part of his force below hard at work on 
the repairs. He sent up a messenger occasionally to 
report that the task was progressing, but there was 
little prospect of it being completed for some hours. 
The tables were now turned on deck. The hunter was 
being hunted. Mark was as eager to hold the junk 
fast as he had been to cut her loose previously. After 
seeing that the efforts of the pirate crew were being 
directed toward escaping, he summoned all hands 
except those at the Gatlings, and, leaving the bridge, 
ran aft attheir head. 


CHAPTER XXVII. 

THE JUNK DISAPPEARS. 

“Range yourselves along the side, lads!” shouted 
Merrill, waving his sword toward the rail. “Keep 
them away from the ropes. Here you, boatswain ; run 


THE JUHK DISAPPEARS. 


151 


forward and tell Miller to keep his fire directed toward 
her forecastle; he will be popping some of us yet.” 

“What are you going to do; try and board the junk 
aft?” asked the second officer, at his elbow. 

“Yes, if she swings around a trifle more,” replied 
the ensign hurriedly. “The wind is shifting a little, 
and I think she will come closer. I say, Watson, take 
some men and clap on to that after rope there. Give a 
good pull and see if you cannot help her move.” 

Hastily selecting tw’enty sailors, Watson set them to 
hauling on a grappling line leading from the cruiser to 
the junk’s foremast where it had been fastened by the 
pirates. Several Chinamen started to cast it loose on 
seeing the maneuver, but the riflemen under Mark 
poured such a hot fire in that direction that they wisely 
withdrew. 

The defense of the junk’s crew commenced to grow 
weaker. They had evidently lost the majority of their 
leaders, and now remained huddled in groups behind 
any protection they< 30 uld find. A few of the bolder 
ones still kept up a fire on the steamer, but there was 
every evidence of a tendency to surrender. 

The efforts of those who had tried to release the rope 
proved to be one of their last attempts at resistance. 
Shortly after that a man appeared on the poop and hur- 
riedly raised a piece of bunting half-mast. It was a 
signal of surrender ! 

“Cease firing!” Mark instantly shouted, but his 
voice Avas unheard in the cheer that burst from the 
Badger’s sailors when they saw the flag. It had been 
a hard fight, with many dangerous chances in it, and 
they accordingly felt highly elated at their success. 
Some tossed their caps in the air, and others, as befitted 
an American celebration, fired their guns at vacancy 
until the ensign stopped it with a of command. 


152 


THE JUNK DISAPPEARS, 


“That will do, lads. Wait until you get ashore with 
3^our prize money. Then you can whoop her up as 
much as you ploase. We have work to do, and plenty 
of it. Some of you cast off those grapplings; let them 
go by the run. Mr. Watson,” turning to the second 
officer, “have the sailing launch and whaleboat 
lowered. Then take thirty men and board the junk 
when she swings away. Drive those cattle below and 
clap on the hatches. Make a short survey as soon as 
you can and let me know what the damages are. Get 
her under sail at once if you can, and stand by to fol- 
low us, when we get under steam again.” 

After seeing Watson started in his new duties, Mark 
returned to the bridge. A messenger from the doctor 
met him with the news that Ned had at last recovered 
consciousness, and was doing fairly well considering 
the gravity of the wound. 

It was joyful news. He feared the worse when the 
limp form of his young friend had been carried past the 
bridge toward the hospital. He would have gone 
below at once to see Gage, but duty called him to other 
and sterner actions just then. 

A glance toward the junk bearing the pirate chief, re- 
vealed the unwelcome fact that her crew had made 
sufficient^ repairs to enable them to get underway 
again. She was alread}^ astern and taking every ad- 
vantage of the wind, which had lately increased. 

“By Jove! she shall not escape us if there is any pos- 
sible way to prevent it,” muttered the young com- 
mander under his breath. Again he repeated the 
fervent wish for steam power, and, in his anxiety ran 
aft to the engine-room hatch. 

“ Below there, ” he called out, bending over close to 
the gratings. 

The figure of the old chief, clad in oily working 


THE JUNK DISAPPEARS. 


153 


clothes, stepped from between the cylinders and 'looked 
up. ‘‘Say, chief, for goodness* sake, aren’t you 
ready yet? When can you turn her over?” 

‘'Twenty minutes, sir; twenty minutes,” replied Mr. 
Cranke, gruffly, then he disappeared without fuilher 
explanation. 

“Bully for you!” shouted Mark after his retreating 
form. The phrase, although ungrammatical, expressed 
his feelings to a nicety In less than half an hour he 
would again feel the old Badger under his control, and 
then woe to the pirate chief and his hordes. Until i hat 
time he concluded to try what power of persuasion lay 
in his forward pivot. 

The ensign now had no officers who could work the 
guns. Ned was wounded, and Watson had already 
left the ship as prize-master of the captured vessel. 
Miller knew absolutely nothing of breech-loaders, so 
the only one remaining was himself. 

“I’ll see if my hand has lost its cunning ” Mark 
muttered. 

Calling the boatswain he ordered him to pass word 
for all the pivot gun’s crew to go below. Then wal' - 
ing forward he told the third officer to take the deck 
until he returned. 

“We will have steam in a little while, Jeff,” he 
added, “but in the meantime I am going to try a shot 
at her and see if I cannot heave that fellow to again.” 

“I guess ye’ll have to be mighty lively,” replied 
Miller, squinting at the distant craft. “She’ll round 
that air p’int o’ land in a few minutes.” 

One glance revealed the truth of the remark. The 
junk had tacked suddenly and was now heading so as 
to pass behind the smaller island. The time necessary 
to man and load the rifle would allow her to reach a 
place of safety. ; 


154 : 


THE JUNK DISAPPEARS, 


“Oh! well; we will soon catch up with her/’ said 
Merrill, philosophically. “It will be all the more dis- 
appointing to that leader to find himself suddenly 
hauled by the heels just when he thought he had a 
guod chance to escape. Have those men called up 
again, Jeff, and clear the decks. Get a report of the 
wounded from Dr. Agnew, and draw up a list of the 
killed. Poor lads! I am sorry we have had so many 
casualties.” 

The kind-hearted young ensign looked with pitying 
eyes at the slain scattered along the deck. The cruiser 
had suffered heavily — not so much as the enemy — but 
still far too many. It was with a sad heart that Mark 
turned to his pressing duties. 

Under his directions the boatswain and part of the 
crew made necessary repairs to the rigging, straighten- 
ing up aloft until the Badger presented a more credit- 
able appearance. A gang of men assisted the sail- 
maker in preparing the dead for burial, and x presently 
all that remained to indicate the desperate struggle the 
steamer had just passed through was a significant row 
of covered forms aft on the quarter-deck and a few shat- 
tered sections of bulwarks here and there. 

The carpenter had sounded the well, reporting the 
hull still intact, and after that very important duty was 
performed, he was set to work ascertaining the amount 
of damages done above the water line by the enemy’s 

Miller returned with his list. Taking it Merrill 
S'^anned the long series of names slowly, and with sor- 
rowful interest. Thirty-four had been killed, some of 
them the best seamen in the crew. Then he read that 
the wounded numbered over forty, some seriously and 
others slightly. At the head of the column was a line, 
brief in its contents, but meaning much to him. This 
he perused again and again. It said : 


THE JUNK DISAPPEARS. 


155 


‘‘Edward Gage, first lieutenant. Right breast 
pierced by rifle-bullet. Grave 

“Poor Ned/’ murmured Mark, turning away and 
looking out to sea. A mist rose before his eyes, caus- 
ing the faint blue line of the distant horizon to waver 
and tremble in many curious forms. He saw the 
crowded deck of a man-of-war in New York harbor; 
a ship thronged with friends and relatives come to bid 
the crew, bound on a long voyage to foreign lands, 
good-by He saw over in one corner a lady with 
pleasant face crowned by a wealth of gray hair, hold- 
ing a young lad by the hand in touching affection. He 
saw the tear-dimmed eyes of the mother turned toward 
him, Mark Merrill, as she said . 

“This is my boy, sir; my only child, and I love him 
so. You will take care of Ned, and bring him back to 
me, won’t you?” 

Again that pathetic voice sounded in his ears, al- 
though years had passed, and now — the ensign turned 
again to read the fateful words, but they ’were blurred 
red and indistinguishable by a moisture he felt with 
no sense of shame. He looked up at last to speak to 
the third officer, but he had gone, and standing close by 
was the chief engineer. 

“Steam’s ready, sir ; the repairs have made her as 
right as a trivet. Will you get under way now, sir?” 

“At once, sir; at once,” Merrill replied gruffly. 
Mr. Cranke stai’ed at him in surprise for a moment and 
then went below. He was not accustomed to seeing 
the young commander in such moods. He knew not 
the cause. Stern words sometimes hide a full heart. 
It is the nature of mankind. 

Within a short time the Badger’s engines were again 
throbbing away, causing the stout propeller to churn 
the water under the counter with its former vigor. 


156 


MARK SEES NED. 


The distant sounds came to Mark like sweet music, and 
he walked up and down the bridge much relieved in 
mind. It did not take long to round the point of land, 
but when they once cleared it they only gazed upon a 
stretch of open sea. 

The junk had disappeared ! 


CHAPTER XXVIII. 

MARK SEES NED. 

Mark had naturally expected to see the junk only a 
short distance in advance on rounding the Point. She 
had not passed from sight more than a half-hour previ- 
ous, and, crippled as she was aloft, the clumsy craft 
could not have gone more than four miles at the most. 
It was certainly strange. 

Taking the glass he searched long and earnestly in- 
shore, thinking possibly they might have beached her. 
But nothing, not even a fragment of wood, was visible. 

“By Jove! this smacks of the supernatural,” he ex- 
claimed, addressing Miller. 

“Maybe they have run into the channel; it’s only a 
short distance ahead,” ventured the third officer. 

“That’s a fact; I never thought of that. Well, we 
will soon see.” 

Calling down the engine-room tube he ordered the 
chief to drive her at full speed. It was not more than 
three miles to Lookout Point, the passage between two 
islands commencing there. That would require fifteen 
minutes to cover. In the meantime Mark turned his 
attention to the prize. She was sailing along slowly, 
following the cruiser. 

Watson had attended promptly to duty, and within 


MARK SEES NED. 


157 


the hour had accomplished good results. Under his 
able direction the crew taken from the Badger had 
placed the pirates under hatches and patched up the 
rigging so a considerable amount of sails could be 
spread. 

Shortly before the steamer got under way he signaled 
that fully one-third of the looters — over ninety men — 
were dead, and as many wounded. By Markus orders, 
Dr. Agnew was sent over with instructions to give the 
poor wretches any assistance in his power. He was 
still on board. 

In view of the new direction the chase was taking, 
Merrill thought it best to have the junk turn back and 
meet him at the other end of the channel. He signaled 
Watson to that effect at once. After several futile at- 
tempts the unwieldy vessel wore and stood away on the 
other tack, finally vanishing behind the headland. 

“She may catch sight of that fellow before us,” said 
Miller suggestively. 

“If she does Watson is just the man to give them a 
dose of iron from their own guns,” replied Mark 
grimly. 

“If he don’t it’ll be because they’re too-blamed fur 
away fur such medicine to take effect,” chuckled the 
third officer, pleased with his own wit. 

They were interrupted by the appearance of Anthra- 
cite, who, touching his cap, said : 

“Capt’n Mark, sah; Mis’r Gage says he’d like tub 
see you, sah, ef you can spar’ the time.” 

“Tell him I’ll be there immediately,” replied Mer- 
rill. Turning to Miller, he said : “I’ll run down below 
for a moment. Let me know at once if you reach the 
passage before I return.” 

Leaving the bridge he hurried aft to the cabin, and, 
drawing back the curtain of Gage’s stateroom, stepped 


MARK SEES NED. 


le'iS 

iu. The middy was lying in his bunk with face turned 
expectantly toward the door. At sight of Mark he 
raised one hand in welcome and smiled. 

'‘I knew you would give me a moment, old boy. Ant. 
said you were too busy, but you found time, didn’t you? I 
just wanted to ask about the news on deck, and — and — to 
see you, that’s all. I have beeu hard hit, and doc. 
looked mighty solemn when he dressed me, but I’ve 
got lots of life in me yet, eh, my gallant commander?” 

Merrill’s heart gave a great leap when he saw the 
wail face, white with an ominous pallor* And he 
notyd the weakness in the young lad’^s voice. He 
tried to speak, to utter cheerful words of encourage- 
.meat, but he could only stammer incoherently and turn 
bav k iu a transparent attempt at arranging the curtains. 
It was a manly weakness born of affection for his friend. 
At last he found strength to speak. 

”Ned, my boy, I would have given my right arm 
rather than have this happen. I am so sorry you are 
compelled to suffer pain. If there is anything on earth 
I can do for you, say the word.” 

“Nothing now, Mark,” replied the middy, with that 
bright smile still on his face. “Nothing now, but 
come down and see a fellow when you can, won’t you? 
It will be so lonesome lying here, and not being able to 
t^ike a hand in the work on deck. You haven’t told me 
the news yet.” 

Merrill briefly related the capture of the junk and his 
present pursuit of the vessel carrying the pirate chief, 
and then, putting his hand on Ned’s, he said : 

“Now look here, young man. You are first-lieuten- 
ant of this cruiser and under my orders. I command 
you to get well without loss of time, or else it’ll be my 
melancholy duty to court-martial you. Do you under- 
stand, sir?” 


MARK SEES NED. 


159 


He tried to make his voice steri^^ but there was a 
suspicious break iu it which he ineffectually tried to 
conceal with a cough. 

Gage was on the point of replying when a seaman 
appeared at the door with a message from Miller, say- 
ing they would round the Point in a few moments. 

Bidding Ned to be of good cheer and to look for him 
again before long, the ensign returned to the bridge. In 
passing through the saloon he noted with sorrow the 
rows of wounded men lining both sides. Although in 
a hurry, he found time to speak a kind word to each. 

Just as he was climbing the bridge ladder, the 
Badger steamed past the cliff, exposing the whole 
stretch of water forming the passage. 

‘‘There she goes!” cried Miller, pointing to the ex- 
treme end of the channel. 

Some distance ahead, probably five miles, was the 
junk keeling over before the breeze, which had 
strengthened materially. It was blowing from the 
same quarter — southerly — and now formed a fair wind 
for the pirate ship. She was evidently making consid- 
erable speed notwithstanding her limited spread of sail, 
and, to the ensign’s annoyance, was rapidly approach- 
ing the open sea. 

“If they turn to starboard they’ll have a long stretch 
of coast before them before making another play in this 
game of hide and seek,” said Mark. 

“Well, that is just what they are a-going to do, sir,” 
slowly replied Jeff, closely watching the junk through 
a telescope. “They are surely getting the port tack 
aboard, and — yes, there she goes a-headin’ to starboard !” 
' It was as the astute seaman had said. The craft in 
front shifted her helm and stood boldly for the extreme 
point of T’sin Chu. In a little while she again passed 
from sight. 


160 


THE SECRET CHANNEL. 


We've got l^hem now, sure,’’ exclaimed Mark, 
grimly. “ Without they run her ashore and take to the 
interior, as that one did last night, we can consider 
them as already captured. If they do beach the iunk^ 
we will simply form landing parties and carry the war 
into their own territory, that’s all.” 

S iddenly the far-away sound of a gun came to their 
ears. It was so faint that each looked at the other in 
doubt. Then another report broke the silence. This 
time it was slightly louder. 

‘‘That’s Watson,” cried the ensign joyfully. “He 
has seen them and is trying his best to stop the junk. 
‘Hurrah for him!” 

The distant cannonading continued, growing more 
plain as they approached the scene. At last the Badger 
steamed swiftly out of the channel, exposing to view 
the open ocean on both sides. Close to the left was the 
prize junk standing toward them under all sail. But 
of the other, the one they were seeking, there was noth- 
ng visible. She had again vanished, totally disap- 
peared from view, as if the sea had swallowed her in its 
remorseless maw. 


CHAPTER XXIX. 

THE SECRET CHANNEL. 

“Well, I’ll be teetotally scraped from keel to truck 
if this don’t beat the Dutch!” exclaimed Miller, gazing 
with open mouth at the vacant waste of waters to star- 
board. 

“ Where in the deuce could she have gone to?” asked 
Mark, after a moment. He stared blankly in all di- 
rections, to the right and the left, both ahead and j 
astern, and saw nothing save the islands and the open 


THE SECRET CHANNEL. 


1(;L 

sea and the ship under charge of the prize crew. On 
catching sight of the latter again he immediately said : 
‘'By Jovei Watson ought to know. He must have 
seen her disappear.” 

Taking a small square flag used for the purpose he 
“wigwagged” to the second officer on board the junk. 
Before he had barely commenced, however, the answer 
came : 

“Junk entered bay or inlet other side of passage.” 

“Bay or inlet?” repeated Mark incredulously. 

Snatching up the telescope he searched the adjacent 
coast thoroughly. 

From where they were the beach presented an un- 
broken line, gleaming white with sand and surf. 
Several hundred yards inland the land rose abruptly, 
forming a precipice or bluff of considerable height. 

From this commenced the sharp elevation which 
finally ended in a mountain peak. There was ap- 
parently no watercourse large enough to give entrance 
to a rowboat, not mentioning a vessel of the junk’s 
tonnage. With a few rapid movements the ensign 
signaled again : 

“Impossible. No bay visible.” 

Watson was seen vigorously waving his flag for a 
moment, to the great ediflcation of the third officer, 
who gazed with undisguised wonder at this, to him, 
most peculiar method of talking. But Mark quietly 
translated the meaning : 

“Junk sailed direct Tor beach and passed from. view. 
Investigate.” 

“That is just what we will do,” said the ensign. 
Ordering the wheelman to starboard the helm he di- 
rected the course of the ship until they were steaming 
parallel with the coast. Watson followed astern, 
getting all the speed he could out of his crippled vessel. 


162 


THE SEOllET GHANHEL. ' 

As yet they had not found time to bury those slain in 
the fight, but now Merrill thought it best to hold the 
brief ceremony. 

The Badger’s way was stopped, and, after the young 
commander read the service, a detail of seamen launched 
the canvas-enshrouded forms into the deep. It was a 
simple burial, but impressive from its very surroundings. 

After the engines were started again Mark sent the 
third officer below for the Chinese prisoners captured 
by Ned on Lookout Point. They had been confined in 
a rilace set apart on the berth-deck, close to where Daly, 
the recreant guard, still languished in captivity. The 
Irishman, if his word could be believed, was a 
martyr of the purest description, but Mark persisted in 
keeping him where his oily tongue had no listeners. 

Miller soon appeared with the five Chinamen. They 
seemed rather frightened, as if the time had arrived 
for their execution, an event they were told by Merrill 
would surely take place if his questions were not an- 
swered promptly and with the greatest veracity. 
Selecting the one from whom Ned had obtained his in- 
formation, he asked : 

“Where is their stroaghold? Now, I know it is on 
this island, and there is a way to reach it. If you don’t 
tell me. I’ll find out, anyway, and it will surely be the 
worse for you.” 

There was but little hesitation displayed by the 
Mongolian. He had probably long since made up his 
mind that a prompt obedience to his captors and an 
entire willingness to render them every service possible, 
would lighten his punishment. The baseness of be- 
traying his comrades never entered his mind, or if it 
did, like many far superior to him in civilization — yes, 
and of many generations— he paid no heed to the voice 
of conscience. 


THE SECRET CHANNEL. 


163 


‘‘I will tell your highness, sir,” he replied eagerly, 
cringing before Merrill, to that youth’s disgust. 

“’Well, be quick about it,” said the ensign. Here-’ 
gretted the i]ecessity, but the fortunes of war entail 
many unpleasant duties. 

“Right ahead there,” pointing a little distance up 
the coast, “is a split in the clilf just wide enough for 
one ship to pass through. It curves a short w^ay in, so 
the opening cannot be noticed until you arrive close. 
There is a deep w^ater channel«leading to it, but several 
rocks are in the way, and you would never pass with- 
out being piloted.” 

Mark looked at him without saying a word after he 
had ceased speaking. The man turned and twisted 
uneasily, then sinking on his knees, continued : 

“If your majesty will pardon me. I’ll take the steamer 
through in safety.” 

Although not liking the means, yet the opportunity 
was too good to be lost. The Mongolian w^as promised 
his liberty if he succeeded in piloting the Badger into 
the interior of the island. It was evident that none of 
his companions understood English, but they probably 
had an inkling of their leader’s intentions, as two or 
three of them cast unmistakable glances of rage in his 
direction. They were sent below. 

Mark took the remaining one aside and questioned 
him closely concerning the formation and defense of the 
stronghold. In the meantime the cruiser had reached 
a point which the Chinaman, who called himself Chov/ 
Tow, declared was the entrance through the bar. 

They were now steaming close inshore, and the long 
stretch of tumbling surf was plainly visible. Merrill 
looked in the direction pointed out and saw a dark 
blue patch in the sea, which he knew could only come 
from deep water. Examining the vicinity through the 


164 


THE 8ECRET CHANNEL. 


glass be made out a break in the precipice which, if not 
especially searched for, would never be discovered. It 
was certainly au ideal entrance to such a hiding-place. 

Mark bad learned from the renegade that about three 
miles in the passage opened into a natural basin, large 
enough to hold a dozen fleets. Chow had also said alter 
passing the first turn or curve the channel led straight 
on without further deviation. According to him the 
junks could gain enough power from their sails to 
penetrate a half-mile, b^, after that they were towed 
Jby small boats. 

Regarding the defense he stated that close to the en- 
trance four cannon had been placed, commanding the 
passage, but they were not of modern make, neither had 
they been tired in years. The natural surroundings of 
the stronghold, and its intricate rock-strewn entrance, 
formed such a barrier that further defense was not 
deemed necessary. The Chinaman said something 
about a chain which had been arranged for stretcliing 
across the channel at its most narrow part, but he had 
never seen it and did not know the exact location. 

Mark also asked him about the white chief, rumor had 
stated as being at the head of the gang, but the 
Mongolian was strangely reticent on the subject, only 
answering that the cruiser’s commander would see him 
in good time. 

Before trying the passage Merrill concluded to send 
Miller over to the prize, and bring back Watson and the 
young surgeon. He wanted the former to handle the 
main battery in the impending attack. As for the 
doctor, his place was on board the steamer. Ned re- 
quired constant attention, and furthermore his profes- 
sional services might be again called upon before long. 

Although Chow Tow had spoken fair and given 
prompt answers to all questions, still the ensign con- 


OA UGHT m A TRA P. 


165 


sidered it necessary to provide against treachery. A 
trustworthy man was accordingly placed at his side, 
armed with a revolver and instructed to sboot him at 
the slightest sign of anything wrong. When this had 
been arranged, the vessel was headed for the channel. 


CHAPTER XXX. 

CAUGHT IN A TKAP. 

It was now about three in the afternoon. The day 
had been crowded with events of the greatest im- 
portance to the expedition. This, the fifth after leav- 
ing Shanghai, found them the victors in a naval com- 
bat in which the enemy was totally routed with great 
loss. 

Of their fleet of four junks one had been captured, 
two sent to the bottom and the other put to flight, and 
at last cornered in a place from which there was no 
escaping. 

Small wonder that Mark felt highly elated at his 
amazing successes. He would have been more than 
happ}” if it was not for the constant thoughts of his 
young^friend lying dangerously wounded below. When 
Dr. Agnew came on board from the prize, Merrill drew 
him aside and asked for his opinion concerning the 
probable outcome of Xed’s case. His voice expressed 
such anxiety that the young surgeon glanced at him in 
surprise. Although knowing of their mutual regard, 
yet he did not think such attachment existed between 
them. 

“Gage received a very serious wound, sir,” replied 
Aguew gravely. “The bullet grazed" a portion of the 
pleural sac, and it is extremely probable that inflarn- 


166 


CA UGHT m A TRAP, 


ination will set in. I sincerely hope not, how’ever. Of 
course it is unnecessary to say that everything possible 
will be done for him; you can rely upon that. The 
poor boy worries so at being forced to remain below 
while the rest of the ship’s company are engaged on 
deck. I would advise jou to pay him frequent visits. 
He is watching for you all the time.” 

“Honestly, doctor,” asked Mark, placing his hand on 
Agnew’s shoulder, and looking him straight in the eyes, 
“what are his chances of recovery?” 

“Well, Merrill, I really think he will pull through.” 

The ensign wrung the surgeon’s hand with deep 
feeling, 3nd returned to the bridge. The hope held out 
was even more than he had expected at first. 

As stated in the last chapter. Miller had been sent to 
relieve Watson, carrying with him instructions to stand 
off and on the coast until the cruiser returned from her 
expedition against the stronghold. When a start was 
made for the passage Mark called up the second officer 
and gave him orders to exercise general supervision 
over all three guns, as any one might be needed. As 
before, the signal for firing was to be given on the steam 
whistle, but this time a code had been arranged, 
namely, one blast for the pivot gun, two for the star- 
board broadside, and three for the port. An intejligent 
seaman who had worked at the Gatlings was selected to 
take charge of the secondary battery. A small number 
of men were also ordered aloft to the tops as sharp- 
shooters. After these details had been arranged Mer- 
rill gave the command to head for the opening in the 
surf. Chow Tow was stationed on the bridge directly 
in front of the pilot-house, where he could guide the 
ship by simply moving his hands. As an added pre- 
caution the sailbr detailed as guard had been manacled 
to him. T'.e Cisinaman a««epted all these expressions 


CAUGHT IN A TRAP. 


167 


of distrust with philosophical indifference. His moral 
epidermis was not of the most delicate description. 

When the Badger, steaming slowly, entered the blue 
patch of sea forming the break in the outer bar, it was 
plainly seen that an inexperienced pilot would speedily 
coiuo to grief. The narrow channel was thickly studded 
with rocky points against any one of which a vesseel 
couM pierce her hull. 

Under Chow Tow’s direction the course was changed 
a dozen times in almost as many minutes. The wheel 
was kept constantly- spinning from one side to the other, 
and the engine-room gong gangied forth an almost 
unceasing series of commands. At more than one place 
those on board felt the iron hull grate against the side 
of s^ane hidden obstruction, but it was only a touch, 
doing no damage. 

At last the outer entrance was passed and, according 
t(<lhe Mongolian, a clear channel lay befc re them to the 
basin. Directly ahead was the sudden curve forming 
the blank wall, beyond which they could not see. It 
was here the first resistance could be made. 

“IIow high are those guns?” Mark asked. 

'‘About the height of this deck,” replied Chow. 
‘‘They are mounted on each side in little chambers cut 
for the purpose in the solid rock. But, really, I don’t 
believe you need expect trouble from them; they are 
simply muzzle-loaders of small size. After w’e enter 
the basin, then something may de done.” 

“What do you mean by something?” queried the 
ensign sternly. “Don’t speak in riddles, Chow Tow. 
Tell me all you know at once ; what have we to expect?” 

“That I cannot toll you, sir,” answered the pilot 
earnestly. “Our worshipful chief is learned in the 
dark mysteries, and he can prepare spells which no 
mortal has the power to break.” 


168 


CAUGHT IN A TRAP. 


The superstitious man paled as he spoke, and glanced 
apprehensively up to the top of the cliffs. 

^‘Spells bo hanged!” ejaculated Mark contempt- 
uous!3^ “If that is all he can do to keep ns out we 
need fear nothing.” 

The ensign laughed quietly to himself. It was evi- 
dent this white leader had worked on the ignorant 
fears of his men to insure unfaijling devotion and obe- 
dience. But that he expected to defend his stronghold 
from an assault by a vessel manned like the Badger 
was not to be expected. However, a ver}^ few minutes 
would settle the question. 

The}" had almost reached the curve ; another hundred 
yards and the straight channel would be exposed to 
view. Merrill sent a message to Watson, bidding him 
stand b}" for a signal. With, his hand on the vdiistle- 
cord, the \"oung commander silent!}" waited until at 
last, after a few more turns of the propeller, the cruiser 
edged slightly to the right, and those on the bridge saw 
before them a narrow stretch of water, ending in a 
])lacid basin fringed with semitropical vegetation. 

Not a sign of human habitation could be seen. No 
junks, nor boats, nor houses. No mark showing the 
]>andiwork of man, nothing save a picture of serene 
(‘almness unbroken in its solitude. Mark stared fora 
moment, and then turned inquiringly to Chow Tow, 

“ Wh}^ wliat is the meaning of this?” he asked. 

The Chinaman shrugged his shoulders, and replied: 

'‘They have evidently retreated to the upper end, sir. 
That basin extends ten miles toward the left. See, 
there are the guns I mentioned!” 

In the direction indicated was a rude hole cut in the 
face of the cliff, through which projected the muzzle of 
a cannon, rusted with age. On the opposite side of the 
])assage was a similar opening also containing ordnance. 


CA UGET IN A TRAP. 


169 


Their appearance bore out the Chinaman s assertion 
that neither offered danger, except to those firing them. 

“It is possible they are not aware of onr presence in 
the pa&sage?” asked Mark suggestively. 

Chow simply smiled, and pointed overhead with a 
significant gesture. The ensign understood him. 

“A lookout up there, eh? Well, if they know we 
are here, it is all the same. But I wish they would 
show themselves; this silence is rather ominous.” 

The cruiser crept slowly along up the channel under 
one bell, the working of the powerful engines sounding 
clear and distinct in the tunnel -like crevice. A hun- 
dred yards overhead a narrow strip of blue sky, gleaming 
in the afternoon sun, could be seen. Far in front the 
basin sparkled in silvery ribbons of light, forming a 
pleasant picture with its edging of dark green foliage. 

The shaded passage was cool, and a faint breeze 
blowing in their direction brought many droning insects 
and birds, that hopped and twittered about the Avhite 
expanse of deck in calm disregard of possible danger. 

It was an Arcadian scene, little like the haunt of a 
ferocious, remorseless crew, steeped in the violence of 
robbery and deep-dyed with the blood of innocent 
victims. Mark awoke wdth a start from a reverie that 
he had been plunged into by the quiet surroundings — 
it was no place for dreaming. 

Silently plowing the unknown depths of water form- 
ing the channel, the Badger swept on until finally, 
almost an hour after they had passed the curve, the en- 
trance to the basin Avas reached. A little farther, and 
they passed into the miniature inland sea. 

Mark instantly looked toward the right. There, 
riding quietly at anchor some miles distant, was the 
junk. Her decks Avere apparently deserted, not a living 
soul being visible above the high rail. She was moored 


170 


m THE BASIH 


close to a sandy beach, which sloped from the water’s 
edge to a stretch of forest running back to the sheer 
wall of rock encircling the basin. The Badger -steamed 
straight out until the center was almost reached, then 
veering to starboard, headed for the pirate ship. 

We will waste no time settling this affair now,” 
muttered the ensign grimly. “I think a couple of 
shots will awaken 

He was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a ter- 
rific concussion. The air trembled with the shock, and 
rocked on the surface of a mighty wave the cruiser 
heeled over until her port- holes were a -wash with the 
boiling sea. 

A wild shriek from Chow Tow caused Mark to turn 
toward him. He stood pointing with trembling hand 
astern to where, in the very center of the channel, a 
huge mass of rock completely blocked the way. 

They were caught in a trap. 


CHAPTER XXXI. 

IN THE BASIN. 

The explosion, caused by an unseen hand, had shat- 
tered the edge of the cliff on the right, sending tons of 
rock and earth down into the narrow ^ entrance to the 
channel, completely blocking it. 

Mark stood transfixed, staring at the obstruction. He 
saw instantly the terrible meaning of the catastrophe. 
They were caught in a perilous trap with no way of 
escaping. 

The cruiser, floating on an inland sea, now entirely 
surrounded, cut off from the outer waters, would never 
return to her port of departure. They, the crew, with 


IN THE BASIN. 


in 


their burden of wounded comrades, would find bard 
work seeking a passage over the cliffs forming their 
prison walls. 

He mechanically rang the engine-room bell, stopping 
the ship, and then turned to meet the second officer, who 
had rushed on deck at the terrible shock caused the 
explosion. Watson’s face was white, and he shook 
slightly as he looked from the ruin in the channel to 
Merrill. 

“I — I — by Jove! sir; this is an awful fix,” he stam- 
mered. “What could have caused it?” 

“The pirates,” replied Mark laconically. “I am 
afraid they have played a trump this time.” 

“I wonder if they didn’t mean for it to fall upon us,” 
ventured the doctor, joining them 

“Highly probable,” coincided the ensign. “They 
may have intended the rocky mass to crush us, but 
touched their dynamite a few moments off too late.” 

“Well, it is almost as effective,” remarked Watson. 
“We are caged in this place, surely. But we can make 
them pay dearly for it.” 

Mark turned to the Chinese renegade. Chow Tow 
had fallen over against his guard, motionless from fear. 
His yellow skin had changed to a sickly pallor, and he 
looked the picture of despair. One glance at the fellow 
carried conviction of his innocence; still it was with the 
utmost sternness that the ensign addressed him. 

“What means this, you scoundrel? You have led 
us into a trap,” he said, approaching closer to the mis- 
erable pilot. 

“N-no, your highness, I am not to blame for this. 
By the truth of Confucius, I know nothing about it. 
The explosion has been caused by the devil chief. He 
and the second chief alone have planned it.” 

“How is it you would not be aware of anything like 


172 


m THE BASIN. 


that? A number of men would be required to mine 
a cliflf of that size; two men could not do the boring in 
rock in months.” 

The fellow turned, and glanced over toward the scene 
of the explosion for a moment before replying, then 
his countenance brightened slightly, and he said : 

“I remember now, sir. A year ago I came over from 
the little island where I had been stationed as lookout, 
and found some of the men digging a narrow shaft 
through the rock from the top of the cliff. I asked 
several what it was intended for, but none of them 
knew. It must have taken some time, as they were 
still working at it when 1 returned a couple of weeks 
later.” 

“Do you know of any other exit to this basin?” asked 
Mark. 

“No, sir, there is only the one channel leading out- 
side,” was the reply; then he looked thoughtfully at 
the far end of the little body of water and slowly con- 
tinued: “If I am not mistaken there used to be a pas- 
sageway for smaller craft over there, just where you 
see that grove of trees. If you look closely you can 
discover a split in the high land. It has been choked 
up with rotten vegetation and sand for many months.” 

Mark examined the spot indicated with a telescope, 
and declared he could make it out quite plainly. He 
then asked the Chinaman if there was plenty of water 
in the basin, receiving an answer in the affirmative. 
The old chief engineer had made his appearance on 
deck, called up by the extraordinar}’ accident that had 
befallen the cruiser. Beckoning him up on the bridge, 
Merrill explained their predicament, and then asked 
him to start the engines ahead slowly, standing by for 
possible emergencies. When this detail had been com- 
pleted, he again questioned Chow Tow. 


IN THE BASIN. 


173 


“How is it the basin is deserted?” he asked, at the 
same time narrowly scanning the adjacent shore with 
the glass. “Where are your living and storehouses?” 

The pirate pointed beyond the junk to where the 
coastline ended in a small peninsula, and replied : 

“ What we have are btiilt on the inner edge of that 
little bay. There are only a few dozen houses built of 
bamboo, and a larger one of stone for the chief and his 
lieutenant. The goods taken from ships are stored in 
caves nearby.” 

Mark glanced meaningly at Watson, and giving a 
short laugh, said : 

“This latter information comes a little too late, doesn’t 
it? We would have been glad to hear where their 
booty is kept, if the catastrophe hadn’t occurred. Now, 
I think we will be lucky to get away with our lives. 
But, before we go some one will have to pay a terrible 
reckoning for this day’s work.” 

His face darkened, and^he clinched both hands with* 
a gesture expressing much. Both Watson and the 
young surgeon echoed his determination. The latter 
walked over to the end of the bridge, and glanced con- 
templatively at the distant junk, then again joining 
the others, he said : 

“It seems very queer to me that these pirates would, 
figuratively speaking, cut off their own nose to spite 
•their face. In other words, I cannot see how they are 
going to get out themselves. They have certainly 
trapped us, but that explosion also closed the gates to 
them.” 

“I am afraid there is something behind all this,” 
put in W^’atson uneasily. 

“My opinion is, this white leader had prepared the 
mine as a last resort, but, understand, to be used in 
keeping war vessels out, not in,” said Mark irn pres- 


174 


m THE BASIH. 


sively. “He no doubt intended using the smaller pas- 
sage mentioned by Chow Tow after first cleaning it out. 
Another thing — I have an idea, as I said before, that 
he wanted to drop that mass of rock upon the Badger 
and annihilate us, otherwise he would have caused the 
explosion when we first entered the channel. As it 
was, from some unexplained reason the mine went off 
five minutes too late, leaving us still sound in life and 
limb, but neatly trapped. ” 

“We still have a chance to escape in the small boats 
through the other, passage,” added Watson, a more 
cheeerful look on his face. “And, when once outside, 
we can utilize the prize to take us back to Shanghai.” 

“We will see what can be done when this den of 
pirates has been broken up,” replied Mark; then he 
added grimly: “That’s our first and most important 
duty. Take charge of the battery again, Watson, and 
be prepared to fire on receiving the signal. Have a few 
solid shot ready, we may need them.” 

The second oflScer went below, followed by Agnew, 
who wished to explain affairs to Ned. Merrill addressed 
the crew briefly, to the efl^ect that there was hope 
still for escaping, but that before any attempt would be 
made in that direction they would first consummate the 
object of the expedition, and wipe out the pirate 
stronghold. 

“We bave, if anything, lads, a greater reason than » 
ever for doing so,” he added. “I, for my part, am 
anxious to settle accounts with the band, and I think 
you are of the same opinion.” 

The cheer that greeted his closing words indicated 
that little mercy would be shown the enemy. Satisfied 
with the effect of his short speech, Merrill stationed 
the proper crews at the Gatlings, and took his stand 
close to Chow Tow, who was still on the bridge under 


THE SUBMARINE MINE. 


175 


guard. The cruiser steamed slowly along until wuthin 
a few hundred yards of the junk, then, in obedience to 
a message from the ensign, Watson fired a shell at her 
from the pivot gun. 


CHAPTER XXXII. 

THE SUBMARINE MINE. 

The projectile screamed through the air, and then 
struck her with a crash midships, throwing a shower 
of splinters in all directions. It was fired at such short 
range that the shell, being equipped with a time fuse, 
passed on without exploding and landed close to the 
peninsula marking the little inlet. 

A jagged hole and a few shattered timbers were the 
only results of the attempt. It proved, however, that 
no one was on board. Watson’s instructions were to 
fire only one shot, merely as an experiment, so the 
cruiser steamed by without making any further attempt 
to destroy the craft. 

It was still a couple of miles to where a first view 
could be obtained of the stronghold, and at the Badger’s 
present speed ten or fifteen minutes would elapse before 
reaching there. Grasping the opportunity, Mark ran 
down to Ned’s room and gave the young invalid a 
cheery ^rnile of encouragement. Only stopping long 
enough to say a few w’ords of explanation, the ensign 
went on deck again accompanied by Agnew. After 
reaching the bridge, Mark obtained some further in- 
formation from the Chinaman. In reply to a question, 
the latter said there were only two ways of reaching the 
top of the cliffs which encircled the basin. Of these 
one was a narrow, zigzag path winding up the steep 


ITG 


THE SUBMARINE MINE, 


slope of the precipice near the passage, and the other a 
broader road starting from the rear of the houses. 
Chow said the latcer was always well guarded, as it 
gave direct entrance to the basin from a landing beach 
outside. 

“It seems to me this is the outcome of a prehistoric 
convulsion of nature,” said the young surgeon, “a final 
effort of the gases and molten lava to find exit from the 
interior of the volcano. The terrific explosion rent the 
mountain side, resulting in this peculiar body of water 
and those channels. It was a perfect haven before those 
scoundrels ruined it. A whole fleet of ships could find 
a harbor here as calm and peaceful as a purling brook.” 

“If I am not mistaken, I can see one of the inhabit- 
ants of this ‘calm and peaceful’ retreat on shore near 
that clump of bushes just this side of the Point,” said 
Mark quietly. 

He had been using a telescope during the past few 
moments, patiently scanning every object on shore. 
The entire absence of Jife had impressed him as being 
very queer. 

Not a soul had been sighted since entering, and, if it 
were not for the junk’s presence and the fatal explosion 
which had barred them in, he would have thought the 
place deserted. But now, while looking in the spot 
mentioned, he caught sight of a moving figure. It was 
passing from bush to bush, but had stopped for a moment, 
evidently to watch the cruiser; then, just as he an- 
nounced the discovery, it disappeared again. 

“They have spies following our movements, no doubt, 
and he is one of them,” remarked Agnew. 

Mark did not reply. A sudden thought had struck 
him — an idea which caused him to ring the engine-room 
bell ordering the engines stopped, and then to turn to 
Chow with the hurried question: 


THE SUBMARINE MINE. 


177 


‘‘Do you know whether there are any torpedoes 
planted in this basin?” 

“Torpedoes?” replied the Mongolian slowly; “I 
don’t know what ” 

“Why, explosives hidden beneath the surface of the 
water, against which a vessel would probably strike 
and be blown to pieces,” explained Merrill impatiently. 

“There may be such things here,” admitted Chow. 
“I have been here when the chief was working out near 
that point. He was using several large boats, but I 
don’t know what for.” 

That was enough for Mark. A messenger brought 
Watson on deck at once. In obedience to orders, the 
second oflnicer had the cutter lowered and then pulled 
ahead of the Badger a hundred yards, the steamer fol- 
lowing slowly. 

“By Jove! that will explain why no resistance was 
offered,” exclaimed the ensign, wiping the perspiration 
from his forehead. “Clem — I mean the chief, is sharp, 
there is no doubt about that, but, fortunately, we have 
taken the precaution of investigating in time.” 

“Didn’t I hear you mention some person’s name, 
then?” asked the young surgeon curiously. 

But the ensign had hurried to the other end of the 
bridge, where he could obtain a better view of the boat, 
so the question passed unanswered. It wa^ well Mark 
had sent the second officer ahead, as he had not pulled 
far before those on board saw his oarsmen check the 
boat’s way suddenly, and Watson, after peering into 
the water for a second, elevated his hand with a signal 
that Merrill understood to mean stop the ship. It was 
obeyed immediately. 

Using the trurnpet, Mark asked what he had 
found. 

“A big torpedo, or submarine mine,” came the 


178 


THE PIRATE CHIEF. 


answer. “I thinlc there is a whole line of them here. 
Wait; I’ll make a thorough search.” 

The news was important, though expected. It meant 
that the bed of the little bay was lined with explosives, 
any one of which would instantly wreck the cruiser, 
sending her to the bottom, probably before those on 
board had time to escape. The place they were found 
was close to where the shore curved in, forming the 
inlet. They had probably been planted there as a linal 
defense of the stronghold. 

A hail came from Watson. 

‘‘There are six of them,” he shouted; “but you can 
get through just where the cutter is now. I will pull 
ahead slowly. ” 


CHAPTER XXXIII. 

THE PIRATE CHIEF. 

Proceeding with the utmost caution, the Badger 
finally passed the dangerous spot, and arrived abreast 
the peninsula in safety. They were now in plain view 
of the stronghold. At the head of the inlet, not a mile 
away, was a strongly constructed stone house of one 
story. It occupied a commanding site on the summit 
of a moderate eminence, around the base of which were 
clustered a few bamboo huts. All this those on the 
cruiser noted with a glance, but what attracted instant 
attention was a mob of men running toward an opening 
in the fringe of trees forming a background to the 
clearing, which was evidently the entrance to the road 
Chow had mentioned. 

There were fully two hundred in the crowd, all 
Chinamen, and it was apparent they had fled in a panic 
at the sight of the cruiser. 


THE PIRATE CHIEF. 


179 


‘‘Turn the Gatlings on them; quick!’’ shouted Mark 
to the crews attending the machine guns. Springing 
to one of them, he whirled the muzzle around and rap- 
idly worked the crank. 

Bang, bang! rattle! bang! 

The leaden hail, directed by Merrill’s experienced 
hand, swept into the midst of the heeing pirates doing 
terrible execution. A number fell to the ground, and 
remained there motionless. Others staggered as they 
ran, hut finally managed to reach shelter with their 
more fortunate companions. In the twinkling of an 
eye there was not a living soul visible. 

A commotion of the bushes beyond and above the 
commencement of the road showed they were in full re- 
treat tow^ard the top of the cliff. Merrill sent a few 
shots in that direction, but the distance was too great 
to allow of good results. Turning to the surgeon, he 
asked if he had noticed the white leader. 

“I saw tw’o men dodge behind that stone house, one 
of whom I believe was him,” replied Agnew excitedly. 
“They ^w^ere trying to stop the stampede, from all ap- 
pearances, but when you opened fire they went up the 
little hill and disappeared.” 

“We will soon reach them in that case,” said Mer- 
rill grimly. 

Calling a sailor, he sent him below to the second 
officer (who had returned on board) with instructions 
to fire a couple of solid shot at the house. 

“Tell him to destroy it, and then shell the others,” 
he added. “We will not leave a splinter large enough 
for a toothpick of the whole collection.” 

Mr. Watson was evidently awaiting such an order, 
as the messenger had been gone but a moment when the 
deafening report of the pivot gun sounded from below. 
After the smoke cleared away they observed that he 


180 


THE PIRATE (UI1EF. 


bad missed the target, striking a smaller house just be- 
yond. The second shot proved more successful, land- 
ing on the roof and tearing a great hole in the hatch. 

It was reserved for the third attempt to accomplish 
the wishes of the ensign, however. Watson was longer 
and more careful in aiming this time, and when they 
were enabled to penetrate the sulphurous vail, they saw 
the stone house enveloped in a cloud of dust which set- 
tled presently, exposing to view a mass of ruins. Two 
walls were still standing, but the others, with the roof, 
liad fallen to the ground. 

Immediately after the last shot had been fired, a man 
was seen to dart from behind the house and run toward 
the opening leading to the road. He paused before en- 
tering and shook his fist at the cruiser, dhen vanished. 

“That looks very much like Ah Foy,” said Merrill, 
using his glass. “The scamp thinks it is time to make 
himself scarce. I wonder where the chief is?” 

“He may have retreated to one of the underground 
storehouses,” replied Chow Tow. “There are several 
in the hill on which his house is built. Ha! who is 
that?’^ 

The renegade’s sudden question was called forth by 
the appea;:‘ance of two men from the shadow of the 
walls. 

One was evidently supporting the other, who seemed 
only;.able to hobble along. They proceeded out into the 
opening, and then edged their way to where the slope 
of the hill gradually hid them from view. Mark 
lowered his glass with an exclamation of excitement. 

“It is he; I recognize him now,” he said; “and that 
is his lieutenant, the one poor Ned shot before he was 
wounded.” 

“Yes, sir; that is the chief and his aid,” agreed the 
Chinaman gravely. “They have no doubt fled to the 


THE PIRATE CHIEF. 


181 


cave just beyond the house. It is cunningly hidden, 
and the entrance so disguised that no one could find it 
without previous directions.” 

‘‘Where did the men go, those who ran up that 
road?” asked Mark. 

“They will scatter and conceal themselves alt over 
the island,” replied Chow. “There is no way of leav- 
ing, now the junks are destroyed. It will be rather 
difficult to capture them, though, and would take a 
month if not more.” 

“We will attend to that later on,” said the ensign. 
“What I wish to do now is to secure the chief and the 
other one. They are more important than all the rest. 
How is the depth of water here — all right?” 

“It shoals rapidly in places. I think this is as far in 
as safety will allow.” 

Mark thought so too. They had now steamed within 
a quarter of a mile of the shore and it would be an 
easy pull to the little beach. 

Calling the boatswain to stand by the anchor, the 
young commander backed the cruiser slightl}^, and she 
soon swung quietly with the tide. 

Watson had not fired a gun after the third shot, as 
that had answered the purpose. There was no one in 
sight lo oppose thdr landing, and the necessity of shell- 
ing the miserable collection of huts had passed. He 
now came on deck and reported to Merrill. 

“Lower three boats armed and equipi^d,” ordered 
Mark. “Place fifteen men in each. Get them ready 
at once, please, as it is, drawing toward dark. You 
> will take charge of the Badger, as I wish to command 
the expedition. Have a few men stationed at the 
pivot gun, Watson, as we may require another show 
of force. I am going to take Chow Tow with me to 
point out the entrance to the cave. When I return 


182 


THE PIRATE CHIEF. 


I hope to have several important prisoners and some 
of their ill-gotten booty.” 

Mark went below to see Ned before departing. He 
found that lad slightly better, but worrying at the im- 
possibility of going on deck. When he heard of the 
ensign’s intended journey he bewailed his disability far 
more, and shook his fist at the genial young surgeon 
when that professional gentleman warned him against 
excitement. 

“Oh! bother the risk!” he exclaimed, petulantly. 
“I’d give half a lung to have the privilege of going 
with Mark. I’ll tell you what; if you didn’t have 
Anthracite to help you, doc., I’d cut and run for it; 
you see if I wouldn’t. Why, here w^e are in the very 
center of the stronghold, and I haven’t any idea what 
it looks like.” 

“You will have an opportunity before long, Ned,” 
said Merrill, smiling at his young friend’s impatience. 
Then his face became grave as he continued: “You 
know we will probably have to leave the old Badger in 
here. They have closed the avenue for a vessel of this 
size. When we transfer you, then you can see the 
whole affair. Well, I must get ashore, old boy. Keep 
quiet and obey Agnew, and I may bring a surprise on 
board for you. ” 

As he passed out of the cabin he heard the young 
middy still holding Agnew up to criticism as a marti- 
net of the deepest dye. 

Merrill found everything in readiness when he 
reached the deck. Two boats had shoved off from the 
side, and the other, his gig, awaited him at the gang- 
way. All three were filled with men carrying cutlasses 
and rifles, and, mounted on a tripod in the sailing 
launch’s bow was one of the Gatlings, ready for action. 
This last was an afterthought of the ensign’s. He did 


THE P IB ATE CHIEF. 


183 


not fancy the appearance of that fringe of trees hiding 
the road. It presented too many possibilities for 
ambuscades. With the efficient aid of the machine gun 
the spot could be cleared of men in a very few moments. 

During the pull ashore, however, nothing occurred to 
arouse suspicion. The little clearing in which the 
houses were standing seemed entirely deserted. A few 
mongrel dogs rushed down and barked at the intruders, 
but that was all. After beaching the boats Mark 
ordered his men to form in column of fours, and, detail- 
ing several to watch the cutters, marched at the head 
of the rest direct toward the ruins of the stone house. 

It was close on to five o’clock. The sun had already 
disappeared behind the lofty barrier to the west, cast- 
ing a deep shadow over the narrow stretch of level plain 
bordering the basin, but as customary at that season of 
the year, there still remained at least two hours of day- 
light. 

The ensign glanced curiously at the collection of huts 
forming the stronghold. Aside from the chief’s, now 
in ruins, there were some fifteen rudely constructed of 
bamboo and straw. The inhabitants had evidently left 
in a hurry. Some of the doors were open, revealing in 
the interior various articles dropped in the hasty flight. 
Fires were still burning before several, and an occa- 
sional pot cotild be seen, redolent of boiling rice or 
glutinous soups. 

On one side of the landing was a minature ship-yard, 
with several small craft in various stages of construc- 
tion. An old rusty cannon or two lying half-buried in 
the sand formed the only warlike indication of the peo- 
ple’s nefarious pursuits. It was a peaceful scene truly. 

The wreck of the stone house lay piled all over the 
summit of the little hill. It had been a one-storied 
structure, built of rough undressed pieces, plastered 


184 


THE PIRATE CHIEF. 


with mud, and probably containing two rooms. Traces 
here and there in the debris indicated that the furniture 
was good if not luxurious — the spoils of many dainty 
cabins had no doubt been utilized. 

The party under Mark’s direction cautiously ascended 
the hill, and, passing close to the ruins, marched to the 
other slope. About midway down, a thick clump of 
trees was encountered. Pointing to it Chow, who 
w^alked at the ensign’s side, whispered that concealed 
therein was the entrance to the cavern storehouse. 

‘‘How is it guarded?” the ensign asked. 

“I do not know,” replied the Chinaman, “but I 
hardly think* there is any especial means taken to de- 
fend it. The chief relies on its hidden entrance. I tell 
you frankly, sir, without my aid you could search for 
months without finding it.’' 

“You will receive due credit for your valuable assist- 
ance,” answered Mark shortly. “Now, show us the 
way to the interior.” 

Stepping slightly ahead, Chow forced his way be- 
tween a couple of the stunted trees, and beckoned to the 
ensign. Placing one hand on his revolver, Merrill fol- 
lowd him. The underbrush was so dense that he could 
barely squeeze through, but by dint of using both arms 
he reached the renegade’s side. The latter was stand- 
ing in a little space rendered almost dark by the ver- 
dure overhead, but Mark was at last enabled to see a 
sliort and apparently decayed stump in the center. 
His attention was attracted to it by Chow’s actions. 
The man placed his arms around it and with a sharp 
tug lifted the wood clear of the ground, revealing a 
small cavity in which it had been inserted. Then stoop- 
ing over he thrust one hand in and fumbled about for a 
moment. A slight creaking noise behind caused Mark 
to turn his head, and, to his unbounded amazement, he 


THE PIRATE CHIEF. 


185 


saw a bare space where the branches had intervened be- 
tween him and the seaman. The trees were now slop- 
ing; to one side, having been turned on a hinge or pin 
at the bottom, which he ascertained by examining sev- 
eral. It was a cunningly arranged piece of mechan- 
ic] n. 

‘‘Here is the entrance, sir,” said Chow, softly, point- 
i- g in front to where an iron door covered Avith sod 
could be seen on the slanting hillside at the edge of the 
little sp^ce. It had been partially raised by the same 
system of leverage used on the trees, and now stood 
open, as if waiting for them to pass through. 

“How is it arranged inside?” whispered Merrill. “Is 
it simply a hole dug in the ground, or a series of 
rooms?” 

“Only one large apartment, reached by descending a 
dozen steps,” answered the renegade. “But the whole 
interior is almost filled with boxes and bales of goods, 
there being a small space near the foot of the stairs. 
The chief and his lieutenant must be hidden in that 
place. I advise you to be careful; they are undoubt- 
edly armed, and now know we^ have found an 
entrance.” 

Recognizing the wisdom of the advice, Mark ad- 
vanced and peered through the doorway. All was in 
darkness below — the gloom of a tomb. No sound dis- 
turbed the profound stillness, and the hush, that seemed 
to have fallen even upon the insects of the air, was 
ominous. 

Stepping a little to one side, Merrill called out: 

“You are discovered, and cannot escape. Your wis- 
est course Avill be to surrender at once; do you hear?” 

There was no answer. 

He waited patiently another moment and then, cock- 
ing his revolver, stepped over the sunken iron sill. In 


18G 


CONTAINING IMPORTANT EVENTS. 


obedience to a gesture, the men, accompanied by Chow 
Tow, followed at his heels. Down three steps, then 
another they went, and then a blinding flash of light 
illumined the darkness beneath, the sharp report of a 
pistol sounded, and a cry of agony came from behind. 

V7ith a bound Mark cleared the remaining steps and 
immediately felt himself seized by the throat. Wrap- 
ping his sineA^yarms around his unseen assailant, he 
bore him struggling to the ground. 

Straining every muscle, they rolled from side to side, 
each endeavoring to gain the upper hand. The close 
air resounded with their gasps and ejaculations of rage, 
and, when the seamen arrived on the scene — one with a 
candle he had contrived to light — they found their 
young commander still engaged in the desperate con- 
flict. 

The men soon separated the two. Scrambling to his 
feet. Merrill turned toward his opponent. The latter 
had also risen, and now stood with folded arms facing 
him. 

“Ah! it is you, after all, eh?” said the ensign 
slowly. 

“Yes, Mark Merrill; it is I,” replied the chief, with 
a bitter sneer. “None other than your old friend — yes, 
that is a good word — your old friend and shipmate, 
Scott Clemmons!” 


CHAPTER XXXIV. 

CONTAINING MANY IMPORTANT EVENTS. 

“Well, I am more pained than surprised, Clem- 
inors,”said Mark quietly. “I thought I recognized you 
in the cafe at Shanghai, but I hoped it would prove false. 
Man, wh3’‘ have you descended to this? Ycu, an Amer- 


CONTAINING IMPORTANT EVENTS. 


187 


ican, and once a cadet at Annapolis, fallen so low as to 
become the leader of a gang of Chinese cutthroats. If 
I had only known, you would have died that night in 
Cuba while a prisoner in the hands of the Spaniards. 
Yes; I would have cut off my right hand rather than 
lift it to rescue you for such an ending as this!’’ 

The ensign’s voice rang through the little vault as 
he stood at last confronting the pirate chief in his own 
stronghold. He had risked much and labored hard to 
bring about this meeting, and accomplish the downfall 
of the gang, but now all that was forgotten, and he saw 
before him only one who had shared the^‘advantages of 
the Annapolis Naval Academy, who had sat at the 
same mess table, and enjoyed the same sports. 

True, he could not help but remember that from the 
very beginning, even in their little village homo in 
Maine, this youth had been his most bitter enemy; 
that he had used every underhand means to spite and 
annoy him, yes, and to spoil his promise in life. Yet 
when he saw the despicable end threatening Scott 
Clemmons, now a prisoner, caught red-handed, he could 
not prevent a feeling of pity, and it was with more 
sorrow than anger that he said the above. 

The young chief displayed no emotion other than a 
contemptuous sneer, which disfigured his face. He 
simply stood regarding the ensign wdth the fire of a 
bitter hatred in his eyes, and waited for the other to 
finish. Mark glanced at him and recognized the truth. 
There was no remorse there; no feeling of regret for 
his evil deeds — it was useless to appeal to a conscience 
seared by such unholy passions. He turned away with 
a sigh and ordered the men to secure the prisoner. 

“Where is Chow Tow?” he asked of a seaman. 

“He is above, sir; all that is left of him,” replied 
the man, knuckling his forehead. 


188 


CONTAII\UNO IMPORTANT EVENTS. 


“ Why, what do you mean? Was he ” 

“Yes, sir; he’s dead. He was killed while coming 
down these steps, sir.” 

Scott had pricked up his ears when the Chinaman’s 
name was mentioned. At the announcement that he 
had fallen before his fire, he laughed aloud. 

‘‘Ha! ha! a well-merited fate for the traitor,” he ex- 
claimed. “So it was he who showed you the way to 
the stronghold, eh?” 

Mark did not reply. Taking the candle from the 
seaman he ignited a large native lamp suspended from 
a bracket on -the earthen wall, and looked about him. 
They were standing in a little space hemmed in on 
three sides with a number of boxes and canvas bales. 
These were piled clear to the roof and extended some 
distance back. Stepping over to one of the latter for the 
purpose of seeing what it contained, he heard a slight 
noise, apparently from beyond the first row. He in- 
stantly called several men and bade them remove the 
bales, at the same time holding his revolver in readi- 
ness to fire if necessary. 

He found no use for it, however. When the seamen 
had cleared away the upper rows they saw the form of 
a young man stretched out on several bales behind. 
He had raised himself on one elbow and was regarding 
Mark intently. His face was pale and drawn with 
pain, and one glance at a blood-stained bandage on his 
breast proclaimed that he was mortally hurt. 

“You have found me, eh? but you will not hold me 
long,” he said, with a ghastly attempt at a smile of 
triumph. Then looking beyond, he nodded weakly to 
Scott Clemmons, and added: “It is a pity, Scott, that 
you did not receive a similar wound. You would have 
cheated the hangman.” 

The latter made no reply sa;^e a cynical laugh, which 


GONTAININU IMPORTANT EVENTS. 


189 


caused Merrill to glance sternly at him and order the 
men to lead their prisoner above. 

‘‘Oan I do anything for you?” asked Mark, address- 
ing the wounded man. 

The latter eyed him for a moment before replying, 
then after a convulsive cough which evidently caused 
him terrible pain, said: 

‘‘It is too late, sir. That bullet has done its work, 
and I won’t last many hours. If I had received atten- 
tion this morning I might have pulled through all 
right, but now nothing can save me; I know it. It is 
just as well, eh?” 

The ensign glanced at him pityingly. He was a 
well-favored young man, not much over twenty, and 
did not have Ihe hard, reckless look of his companion 
in crime, Scott Clemmons. 

“What do .you intend doing with him?” asked the 
wounded prisoner, pointing above. 

“The law will have to take its course with him 
as well as the rest of the pirates,” Mark replied, 
gravely. 

“He knew you before, didn^J: he? We have had 
many talks together about you, and I never knew be- 
fore how a man can hate when he tried. He intended 
to crush 5^our steamer in the channel, but the fuse 
wouldn’t burn quick enough. Now you have him, but 
watch out, he is as cunning as Satan himself. I met 
him in Shanghai over a year ago, and, at his earnest 
desire, joined this gang, though heaven knows there 
wasn’t any need for it. I had a good position on the 
docks, and was saving money, but he promised so 
much and talked so fairly that I gave in at last. There 
was another man joined at the same time, a tall black- 
whiskered fellow. He bought a discharge from a 
drunken sailor paid off from an American bark, and 


190 


CONTAimNG IMPORTANT EVENTS. 


shipped on your cruiser in Shanghai to wreck it. 
Where is he now?” 

^‘Dead; tuok his own life after being captured while 
engaged in his villainous work,” answered the ensign, 

trifle sternly. 

“Gone, too, eh? Well, Sam Clark was bad enough 
at heart to deserve anything. He ” 

“What did you say his name was?” interrupted 
Mark, suddenly recalling the monogram on the hand- 
kerchief found just before the explosion in Shanghai. 

“Sam Clark,” repeated the wounded man. “He 
shipped under the handle of John Blood. Quite an ap- 
propriate name, wasn’t it?” 

Mark nodded assent. This explained a seeming mys- 
tery. It had been his first impression on seeing the 
initials “S” and “C” on the handkerchief that Scott 
Clemmons, whom he suspected even then wasthecliief 
of the looters, bad boarded the Badger. ‘despite Patrick’s 
assertion that his strange visitor was tall and boarded 
like the pard. It was, however, a natural mistake to 
make under the circumstances. 

“You asked me, a few minutes ago if you could do 
anything for me?” continued the young lieutenant. 
“Well, you — you ” 

He was interrupted by another cough, which shook 
his whole frame. The paroxysm was brief but exceed- 
ingly painful while it lasted. Merrill looked around 
and found a flask of wine which he gave the sufferer, 
receiving a grateful smile for the act. After resting a 
moment, the wounded man continued : 

“You can do me a very great favor if you will. I 
know I don’t deserve any kindness at your hands, but 
I feel sure you will oblige me in this, a last request. I 
have here a package which contains Bank of England 
notes to the value of two hundred pounds, all honest 


CONTAINING IMPOETANT EVENTS. 


191 


money, earned before I embarked in this business. I 
want you to send it to the address written on the 
envelope, when you reach a civilized port. It is for 
my — my mother, sir. I wish you would also send her 
a short note saying that I had perished in a foreign 
country, a long, long way from home, but near her in 
the end; yes, very near her in the end. No person 
knows my real name here, not even Clemmons, but you 
will learn it by reading the address. Keep it a secret, 
sir ; it is too honorable a one to be connected with this 
fate.” 

The young man paused exhausted. After resting a 
moment he drew forth from beneath his shirt a small 
compact parcel and handed it to Mark. The outside 
wrapping- was stained with blood, a fact the former 
pointed out with a significant gesture. 

‘‘It is shed in a bad cause, but she will iiever know 
it,” he remarked with a sigh. 

Merrill was just on the point of replying when there 
came from above the sound of scuffling and loud talk- 
ing; then the sharp report of a pistol rang out, imme- 
diately followed by a whole volley. 

Instantly a thought flashed over his mind — Scott 
Clemmons was trying to escape ! Hurriedly bidding one 
man remain with the wounded prisoner, he hastened up 
to the top of the steps. There was no one in the little 
space, but from outside came the murmur of voices. 

On leaving the clump of trees he found a number of 
seamen scattered about the open ground, evidently 
searching for some one. They were peering behind the 
different masses of stone masonry fallen from the 
wrecked house, and poking their guns into the stunted 
bushes dotting the hillside. One man standing nearby 
was wiping the blood off his face, where it had trickled 
down from a slight wound in the forehead. 


102 


THE EHB OF SCOTT CLEMMONS, 


Clemmons was not in sight. 

Striding up to the injured sailor, Mark sternly de- 
manded the Avhereabouts of the prisoner. 

“He’s gone, sir,” replied the man excitedly". “The 
blasted pirate managed to get his hands loose and hit 
me a clip over the eye before we knowed anything 
about it. I was a-guardin’ of him, and stood close by 
witli my gun, but he was so slick a-workin’ of the 
scheme that he fooled us all. As soon as he knocked 
me down he slid through them trees and escaped. We 
all fired at him, but I guess we must have missed tiie 
fellow in the excitement.” 

“Quick; which way did he go?” asked Merrill. 

“ We don’t know, sir; because when we got out here 
he was not to be seen anywhere.” 

The ensign assumed command of the excited men and 
commenced/a systematic search for Clemmons. It was 
evident he had not gone far away as the guard was 
almost at his heels when he reached the outside of the 
group of trees. The entrance to the road leading over 
the cliff was too distant for him to make without being 
seen. Convinced that he was in the immediate neigh- 
borhood Mark spreci.d out his men in all directions, with 
rigid instructions to capture the fugitive dead or alive. 


CHAPTER XXXV. 

THE END OF SCOTT CLEMMONS, 

For a while no traces were found, then suddenly a 
man who had clambered through the rubbish covering 
the foundation of the stone house turned and beckoned to 
the ensign. Mark obeyed the summons at once. 

“What do you see?” he asked in a whisper. 


THE END OF SCOTT CLEMMONS, 


193 


The sailor pointed below to where, lying on a piece 
of rock in the shallow basement, was a cap, which the 
young commander instantly recognized as one worn by 
Scott only an hour previous. He was undoubtedly in 
hiding nearby. 

Bidding the man call his mates, Merrill held his re* 
volver at full cock, and stepped carefully from stone to 
stone down into the cavity. There were heaps of debris 
scattered about, furnishing many protected nooks and 
corners behind which Scott could shield himself, so the 
ensign exercised the greatest caution in his search. 
Before he had looked far, he heard a fragment of rock 
fall from a pile over in one corner, and then Clemmons 
sprang oat before him. 

His face was white, and an evil glitter in his eyes 
proclaimed that he was wrought up to the highest pitch 
of desperation. In one hand he clutched a jagged piece 
of stone. Raising this above his head, he hurled it 
at the ensign, striking him on the shoulder. 

‘HTl never be taken alive, curse you!’’ howled the 
infuriated villain. “You have hounded me from ” 

Bang! 

Cut short in his savage denunciation, Scott fell to the 
ground, gave oi^e convulsive motion of the limbs and 
tlien lay still. Mark glanced above, and saw one of his 
crew standing on the edge of the excavation with a 
smoking pistol in his grasp. It was he who had fired 
the fatal shot. Stooping over the inanimate body, he 
found that the bullet had penetrated the heart, causing 
instant death. 

Thus ended the career of Scott Clemmons, violently 
cut short in the flower of his youth, unregretted by all. 
He had lived an easy victim to his evil nature from 
boyhood up, now to perish far from home on a lonely 
island, the scene of his greatest crimes. 


194 


THE END OF SCOTT CLEMMONS. 


Mark turned away, sick at heart, but thankful never- 
theless that the chapter was ended. After giving 
orders to bury the body where it lay, he started to the 
cavern storehouse. Before reaching there the man left 
in charge of the young lieutenant met him, and, with a 
significant gesture toward the entrance, said, with 
phlegmatic indifference: 

“He doesn’t need any watching now, sir; he’s gone 
under.” 

Merrill received the announcement without surprise. 
He knew the wound would speedily prove fatal. 
Mental!}’ resolving to fulfill the erring youth’s last re- 
quest, he told the men to bury him by the chief. As it 
was now growing dark, the ensign resolved to establish 
a camp in the little village and picket the party until 
morning. 

Huge fires were lighted at various places, one being 
built at the^ entrance to the road, and, after establish- 
ing sentries, the others stretched out on the sward and 
slept. Mark had dispatched one of the boats to the 
ship with the news, also stating that he would remain 
ashore. 

The following morning the camp was astir before 
daybreak. There was much to do that day. In the 
first place, Merrill resolved to overhaul the storehouses 
and ascertain what articles of value could be secured. 
After that he intended making a thorough examination 
of the obstruction in the channel. There still lingered 
a slight hope in his mind that enough of the debris 
could be removed to enable him to get the Badger 
through. 

The bare possibility of being compelled to leave the 
stanch old cruiser in that inland grave of waters was 
painful to him, and he determind to use every effort 
before abandoning the steamer. 


THE END OF SCOTT CLEMMONS. 


195 


Nothing occurred during the night to disturb the 
camp. Mark did not anticipate an attack from the 
pirates, as they had received too thorough a lesson the 
previous evening to risk another. Still, discretion be- 
ing the -better part of valor, he had made all prepara- 
tions for receiving them. 

At- the first sign of dawn all hands were up and 
about. The first thing Mark did was to dispatch a boat 
to the ship for provisions. A huge pot of coffee was 
brewed, which, together with canned meat and hard- 
tack, appeased their hunger for the time being. After 
this agreeable duty had been attended to, the ensign 
ordered a number of men to seai*ch the clearing thor- 
oughly for underground storehouses. 

Now Chow’ Tow was dead he had no one to reveal 
their whereabouts, and would be compelled to trust to 
his own resources in finding t]be other caverns, said by 
the Cliinaman to exist on the island. 

The remainder of the sailors were sent to break out 
the stores in the- one already known. Mark followed 
them after taking a general observation of the weather 
and the surrounding country. It promised to be a fine 
day. Only a few fleecy clouds could be seen in the 
zenith, and even they gave evidence of clearing away. 

The somber walls of the cliff loomed dark in the 
shadows of early morning, but far above them towered 
the volcano peak, ablaze with many dewy jewels created 
by the sun’s magic rays. The pellucid waters of the 
little basin stretched without a ripple from shore to 
shore. Mirrored on its bosom, motionless and seem- 
ingly deserted, was the Badger, forming a picture of 
silent strength, with its frowning port-holes and grim- 
looking cannon. Mark turned away at last, and walked 
up the hill. 

In passing the ruins of the stone house his eyes fell 


THE END OF SCOTT CLEMMONS. 


lOG 


upon the three new-made graves— those of Clemmons, 
the lieutenant, and the renegade pirate, Chow Tow. The 
sight of the little mounds of earth caused him to stop 
for a moment and reflect on the terrible end of the three 
transgressors. Of Clemmons, he knew that it was fit- 
ting. The boy had been raised in a.‘peaceful little hamlet 
on the Maine coast, remote from the traps and evil influ- 
ences of city life; he had been the petted child of fond 
parents, with good home teaching; had been placed in 
a school where moral worth was the first principal and 
the succeeding career an honorable and promising one,^ 
yet with all these advantages he had chosen to follow 
the dictates of evil, and allow an overpowering jealousy 
to lead him into crime-strewn paths, at last to die on 
the scene of his greatest misdeeds — an outlaw and the 
chief of a gang of merciless pirates. 

“As he had sown, so did he reap,” murmured the 
ensign, turning away, deeply impressed by the lesson 
taught by those three silent mounds. 

On arriving at the entrance to the cave, he found the 
clearing outside piled high with boxes and bales of 
goods. Some had been opened, displaying innumer- 
able bolts of priceless silks and quaint woven matting. 
One of the sailors had discovered a small iron box 
below, but they had deferred breaking the door until he 
came. It required some work to force back the stub- 
born lock, but one glance at the contents showed that 
they were well repaid for their trouble. It was heaped 
brimming full of gold, both money and ornaments, and 
undoubtedly represented a value of many thousands of 
dollars. A trusty man was sent on board the cruiser, 
with instructions to deliver the box to the second officer 
for safe keeping. 

While Mark was counting the number of cases con- 
taining the silks, a sailor came running up with the 


THE END OF SCOTT CLEMMONS. 


197 


gratifying intelligence that he had stumbled upon 
another storehouse on the other slope of the hill. A 
cursory examination proved this was also filled with 
packages of goods, which, as afterward ascertained, 
amo anted to more than one hundred. The total found 
up to the present was very near double that number, 
all packed with valuable articles. The richness of the 
spoils surprised the ensign, who was correspondingly 
elated at the successful outcome of the search. 

This made him all the more anxious to extricate the 
Badger from the basin, as it would require incalculable 
labor to transfer the stores over the cliffs to the beach. 
He resolved to examine the channel immediately, so 
bidding the men keep a careful watch on the boxes until 
his return, he embarked for the cruiser. As it was 
quite a considerable distance to the entrance of the pas- 
sageway, be ordered the anchor raised and steamed 
up the basin. 

While en route, Mark paid a short visit to Ned, ex- 
plaining in detail the momentous events of the past 
ev'ening. The middy had already heard something of 
it through the information brought on board that morn- 
ing, but when the ensign told him of Scott Clemmons’ 
early life and its connection with his, Gage sat up in 
astonishment. 

‘‘I had always felt sure you knew that fellow be- 
fore,” he said, sinking back in bed ^gain. ‘‘Your 
actions indicated that. But isn’t it wonderful that a 
man of his training, and a cadet from the old academy, 
should have launched into such a profession?” 

Mark thought it was, but refrained from speaking 
further on the subject, as the lad was not in a condition 
to talk much on exciting topics. In fact, Agnew had 
been vigorously shaking his finger at him during the 
last five minutes. Ned was certainly improving, but 


198 


SHANGHAI ONCE MORE, 


SO slowly that the careful young surgeon still felt 
anxious about his case, and repeatedly told Merrill that 
it would be better to take him to Shanghai as soon as 
possible, where he could secure hospital treatment. 


CHAPTER XXXVI. 

SHANGHAI ONCE MORE. 

On reaching the vicinity of the channel, the Badger’s 
way was stopped, and Mark pulled over to the obstruc- 
tion, which was situated a few hundred yards past the 
entrance. A couple of hand leads were taken along for 
sounding. The mass was found to be composed of 
earth, with an occasional rock projecting here and 
there. It rose above the water’s surface several feet, 
but seemed to have only a small bulk when they came 
to examine it closely. The soundings did not show an 
extensive spread of the debris on the bottom, but, al- 
though not as bad as he had expected, still the removal 
of enough to permit of the cruiser’s passage would re- 
quire more appliances than could be found on board. 
Mark saw with extreme satisfaction, however, that it 
would be entirely feasible to clear the channel with a 
dredge he knew could be obtained in Shanghai. 

Greatly relieved in mind, and filled with hope at the 
possible chance of saving his ship, Mark ordered the 
crew to return. It was with a new feeling that he 
stepped on deck again. Merrily waving his hand to 
the second officer, he called out : 

“The old hooker will see deep water again, Watson. 
That passage can be cleared enough to admit her, but it 
will take lots of work.” 

He explained his plan, and then ordered the cruiser 
started for the lower end of the basin. 


SHANGHAI ONCE MORE. 


199 


‘‘We must examine the other channel at once. I 
mean the one mentioned by Chow Tow as existing over 
there. It may be possible for our boats to pass through. 
In that case we will §end a party of men over the cliffs 
to signal Miller to come around on the other side with 
the junk, and then embark on her at the outlet of the 
new channel. 

“I fear the journey will have an adverse effect on 
Ned Gage,” he continued gravely; “but we ought to 
get him to Shanghai at once. The question is, can he 
be moved without great danger.” 

“If this channel is found clear enough for small 
boats, I think the transfer will not result in much ex- 
posure,” replied Watson. 

It required several hours to locate the entrance they 
were seeking, but, at last, after utilizing the whale- 
boat to skirt the coast, a party under Mark found a 
watercourse almost entirely hidden beneath a rank 
mass of undergrowth. 

They could see where it passed through a narrow 
gulch in the high lands some distance from the edge 
of the basin.’* using axes brought for the purpose 
, they were enabled to penetrate almost a mile, fortunately 
finding that the vegetation was thinner and offered less 
resistance the farther they went. 

Mark was delighted at the result of his search, and 
set about arranging their departure immediately. 
Thirty of the crew were left in three of the boats under 
the boatswain’s directions to clear the passageway, with 
instructions to try and have it in readiness before night- 
fall. Then, re-embarking, Mark returned to the 
stronghold. On the way over, he advised Dr. Agnew 
of his plans, receiving that young surgeon’s assurance 
that the middy’s transfer could be made, if conducted 
carefully. 


200 


SHANGHAI ONCE MORE. 


Shortly after arrival an armed party was sent over 
the cliffs to notify Miller to sail the junk around the 
island. They made the journey, and were back in 
camp by noon, reporting that nothing had been seen of 
the pirates while on the trip. They found the prize 
standing off and on the coast with the third officer 
deeply worried at the cruiser’s nonappearance. When 
they reached the top of the cliffs on the return journey 
they saw the prize driving under full sail through the 
passage between T’sin Chu and Lookout Island. 

Preparations for departure were commenced at once. 
There being no other officer, it fell to Watson’s lot to 
remain behind and guard the stores and the Badger. 
He was given all the men with the exception of enough 
to row the boats through the channel. All the 
wounded, including Ned, were lowered into the two 
launches with extreme caution, and, after a final repeti- 
tion of orders to his able assistant, the ensign gave the 
signal to start. The cruiser had brought them over 
near the entrance, so they w^ere soon threading the 
mazes of the watercourse. ^ 

On reaching the mouth, the junk was seen standing 
close inshore. It required bat little time to run along- 
side the prize, and the sick were transferred to her deck 
v^dthout accidents. Ned had borne the fatigues of the 
journey manfully, and, to Agnew’s professional grati- 
fication, showed only a slight rise in temperature as a 
result. 

Miller’s honest face was a picture when the party 
boarded the vessel. He tried to be everywhere at once, 
and succeeded to an amazing degree. The kind-hearted 
man sorrowed over the middy’s troubles in a manner 
wiiich, if uncouth, was nevertheless earnest. It was 
this show of genuine sympathy on the part of all thi^t 
did much to work a cure in Gage’s case. 


SHANGHAI ONCE MORE 


201 


The voyage to Shanghai was long and tedious. Ad- 
verse winds and the junk’s poor sailing qualities pro- 
longed the trip into weeks. But at last, after much 
buffeting about and innumerable disappointments, the 
entrance to the river was reached, and the heavy anchor 
dropped into the waters off W oosung with a splash 
which sent an echo of gladness through the hearts of 
all. 

Mark lost no time in chartering a tug. He selected 
the fastest one in port, and had the middy and the in- 
jured seamen placed on board at once. It was deemed 
advisable to leave Daly and the captive Chinese pirates 
on the junk until arrangements could be made to trans- 
fer them in a body to the city. 

The Irishman’s case was still under advisement, but 
Merrill had almost concluded to set him ashore with a 
warning to make himself scarce under penalty of being 
rearrested. It ma}^ be stated right here that this plan 
was finally carried out, and the man disappeared from 
the scene, heartily glad to carry away his head attached 
to the rest of his anatomy. 

On reaching the bund, the ensign went immediately 
to the office of Bevins & Rollins. As he walked 
through the well-known outer room, a familiar voice 
greeted his ear from inside. He paused for a moment, 
and looked through the partially opened door. There, 
standing with his back to the entrance and his hands 
behind him in a favorite attitude, was the general, 
evidently laughing at some remark made by Bevins, 
who was seated at a desk in the center of the floor. 

Hearing his name mentioned, the ensign hesitated 
about entering, and was just on the point of knocking 
when a remark from Rollins caused him to smile 
quietly, and resolve to make his appearance in the 
nature of a denouement. 


202 


CONCL USION. 


“I tell you, my dear sir,” the general was saying, 
“young Merrill is no doubt a highly gifted young man, 
and capable of intelligent work, but I think we have 
burdened him with a task too heavy for his inexperi- 
enced shoulders.” 

He paused, interrupted by a snort of wrath from his 
partner, who was fuming and fretting with rage. 

Mark felt both surprised and hurt until he noticed a 
merry twinkle in Rollins’ kindly eyes. The old gen- 
tleman was simply teasing his companion on a subject 
of great interest to both. 

“Now, see here, sir; I am not going to listen to this 
disparagement of my youngfriendany longer,” shouted 
Bevins, rising to his feet, and excitedly shaking his fist 
at the other. “If you had seen him in that yacht 
affair, you ” 

“Ha, ha!” laughed the general, holding his sides, 
“I thought you would come around to that. Well, I’ll 
tell you what we will do: we will make a small wager 
on the probable outcome of the expedition. I’ll bet you 
a dinner for ten that Merrill will come back either de- 
feated or else claiming a doubtful victory.” 

“Don’t do it, Mr. Rollins, or you will surely lose,” 
exclaimed Mark, stepping into the room. 


CHAPTER XXXVII. 

CONCLUSION. 

Both partners stared at him in profound amazement 
for a moment; then, with a simultaneous cry of pleas- 
ure, they shook him cordially by the hand. The tor- 
rent of questions asked was so great and varied that all 
Merrill could do was to stand and nod his head to first 


GONCL UBION. 


203 


one and then the other, very like a Chinese toy. After 
they had calmed down enough to be rational, a mes- 
senger was sent in quest of the other three members of 
the Secret Company. They lost no time in obeying the 
summons, and, after the party was comfortably seated, 
Mark related his story. 

Many were the ejaculations of astonishmept and won- 
der as he dilated with natural eloquence on the stirring 
scenes of the expedition. A commendable desire to 
save Scott Clemmons’ family the disgrace of publicity 
regarding his crimes, caused the ensign to keep his 
name a secret, and ho simply stated that the chief was 
a young American from New England. 

When he mentioned the valuable stores found in the 
cavern, an increased interest in his recital was notice- 
able, and each member found it incumbent to shake 
hands wdth his immediate neighbor. The ensign’s 
proposition to take a steam dredger back to T’sin Chu 
and release the Badger from her prison, was carried by 
unanimous consent. They immediately gave him carte 
blanche to purchase or charter what he desired, and to 
secure more men, 'if necessary. 

When he told them of Ned’s injury, they all ex- 
pressed great Sympathy, and, without exception, offered 
the use of their homes to the middy. In fact, the two 
members of the firm, Bevins & Rollins, were so em- 
phatic in their rivalry to secure the pleasure of extend- 
ing hospitality to him Jiiat Mark saw it would be policy 
to select the foreign hospital — an institute famous for 
its efficiency — thereby offending neither. 

This was eventually done, and the lad slept that 
night within its walls, carefully attended by Agnew, 
who had signified his desire to remain with him until 
convalescence. The wounded seamen were also ad- 
mitted in the same hospital. 


204 


G0:N’CL U8I0N. 


The following day all the prisoners were turned over 
to the authorities, who meted out to them the Chinese 
method of justice — a short trial and a sharp sword. 

Just one week after their return to the bund, the 
ensign and Miller steamed out of the river again, this 
time in command of a powerful ocean tug, having in 
tow a well-equipped dredger. The voyage to the island 
proved uneventful, and they arrived off the mouth of 
the obstructed channel indue time, finding a deputation 
sent by Watson awaiting them on the beach. 

Nothing of note had occurred during their absence, 
except the appearance of a small junk at the northern 
end, which sta^^ed in the vicinity for several days. It 
was the second officer’s opinion that all the fugitives 
had escaped in her — ^a belief born out by subsecpient in- 
vestigations. Mark w’as entirely satisfied, as he knev/ 
the band was utterly demoralized, and would never 
trouble passing ships again. # 

It required a month of constant labor to clear the 
passageway sufficient to allow the cruiser to pass 
through, but the task was finally accomplished. On 
examining the junk found in the basin, it was ascer- 
tained that too many repairs would be required to fit it 
for sea, so it was burned with the village. When the 
Badger, en route to Shanghai, steamed away from the 
island of T’sin Chu, a black pall of smoke blotted out 
their last view, a typical ending to the picture. The 
spoils taken from the stronghold weighed the gftod ship 
down, and she made but slow progress; this, however, 
was excused because of its import. 

Their arrival in Shanghai was the occasion of a public 
celebration. The little harbor fronting the bund had 
been decorated with gay colors in anticipation of their 
return, and, when the Badger moved triumphantly up 
the river, escorted by innumerable craft, the entire 


aONCL USION, 


205 


population turned out to welcome her and the gallant 
crew. 

Standing erect on the bridge, his manly face flushed 
with pleasure, Mark was the cynosure of all eyes, and 
when, in passing the old flagship Trenton, the band 
played a famous march and his brother officers removed 
their caps, his heart swelled with modest pride. But 
greater than all these demonstrations: yes, more pro- 
ductive of joy even than the sight of the multitude 
gathered to do him honor, was the sudden appearance 
of his friend and protege — Ned Gage — who, brought 
down to the water’s edge in a jinrickshaw, stood up 
and waved his hand in affectionate greeeting. 

The story is almost told. A few more words will 
suffice to explain how the memorable expedition orgr- 
nized by the Secret Company of Shanghai, came to h:i 
end, as all things must. 

After the amount secured by adding the money re- 
ceived froro the sale of the prize-junk to that found in 
the iron box was distributed to the crew according to 
their positions, it was seen that each was entitled to 
quite a sum. 

Mark, as commander, received over ten thousand 
dollars. This, following the dictates of his ever 
generous nature, he shared with Ned, first deduct- 
ing fifth, which he sent together with the package, to 
the pirate lieutenant’s mother. 

The young surgeon, Paul Agnew, remained with 
Gage until he was thoroughly cured, then returned to 
the United States, where he went before a government 
board and entered the naval service as a member of the 
medical corps, having conceived a fondness for the life 
from his connection with the expedition. 

Watson and Miller united in purchasing a number of 
shares in the Badger, which they ran as a coastwise 


206 


CONCL U8I0N. 


steamer, gradually amassing sufficient capital to 
embark in a more pretenHous enterprise. 

Anthracite, on being given his share, solemnly 
turned it over to Merrill, with the startling announce- 
ment that he could keep it if he would only take 
him, Anthracite, permanently into his service. Mark, 
touched by the negro’s faithful devotion, placed the 
money out at interest and engaged him as a body serv- 
ant, which exalted position he still occupies. 

Mr. Cranke left the sea, and started a machine shop 
in Shanghai, where he does all the minor repairs for 
all foreign vessels frequenting that port. The crew 
dispersed on being paid off, and duly squandered their 
money in the doubtful pleasures offered by all sailor 
towns, afterward scattering to the four quarters of the 
globe, as tarry followers of the deep generally do. * 

Mark and Ned still had a good portion of their fur- 
loughs to dispose of, so they finally decided to spend it 
at home. The ensign visited Gage’s mother, and had 
the pleasure of showing her by practical illustration 
that he had faithfully carried out the request made in 
New York Bay that he take care of her boy. 

After a six months’ pleasant vacation, they returned 
to the Trenton and completed their cruise in Chinese 
waters. Mark was much sought after, socially and 
otherwise, each time the flagship visited Shanghai, and 
often talked over the famous expedition against the 
pirates of the Yellow Sea with his stanch friends, 
Bevins and Rollins. 

The latter member of the firm still persists in recall- 
ing the yacht story whenever an opportunity offers, and 
his genial partner never fails to cut him short in mis- 
chievous expectation of a peppery argument on the 
subject. 

Both Mark and Ned are still in the United States 


GONCL USION. 


207 


Nav3", well-known and honored in their walk of life, 
and if nothing unforeseen happens the former will 
shortly don the stars of a rear-admiral. 

He has often declared, and with emphasis, that if all 
the adventures falling to his lot while following a pro- 
fession prolific of strange situations, those encountered 
while in command of the Badger were the most mo- 
mentous, and when he and Ned meet, be it either in 
social life or during the routine of duty, they never fail 
to devote an hour to agreeable recollections of old times 
in the Yellow Sea. 


THE END. 


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most popular authors, and consequently you cannot get 
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STREET & SMITH, Publishers. 


^Frank Memwefl 

' STORIES 


N O modern series of tales for boys and youth 
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Frank Merriwell Stories, published ex- 
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Weekly. 

There must be a reason for this, and 
there is. Frank Merriwell, as portrayed by the 
the author, is a jolly, whole souled, honest, 
courageous American lad, who appeals to the 
hearts of the boys. 

He has no bad habits, and his manliness in- 
culcates the idea that it is not necessary for a 
boy to indulge in petty vices to be a hero. 
Frank Merriwell’s example is a shining light for 
every ambitious lad to follow. 

There is sometimes, with parents, a prejudice 
against all forms of boys’ literature in novel style. 

We earnestly ask all parents to examine the 
Tip Top, confident that they will commend it to 
their boys as suitable to be read. 

Issued weekly. Sold by all newsdealers. 

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HAVE YOU READ THE 


Columbia Dbrary? 



series of books Contains new stories oi 


the late war with Spain, written by eye 
witnesses of the principal actions of the conflict- 
These stories are of absorbing interest, and are 
enjoying great popularity. 


NOW READY; 


The Yankee Lieutenant. By Douglas Wells* 

The Fig^htins: Squadron* By Ensis^n Clarke Fitch, U. S. N« 

A Courier to Gomez* By Douglas Wells* 

A Prisoner of Morro. By Ensig^n Clarke Fitch, U. S. I>ir 
A Secret Service Detail* By Dougflas Wells. 
Court-Martialed. By Ensig^n Clarke Fitch, U. S. N. 

On The Firing Line. By Douglas Wells. 

Saved By The Enemy. By Ensign Clarke Fitch, U. S. N. 

Well bound and well printed l2mo* books^ with elegfant 
covers, uniform in style with Street & Smithes other 
popular lines* 


Pricc^ Ten Cents Each* 


For sale by all newsdealers and booksellerSi, 
m sent by mail, postpaid, on receipt of price, by 

STREET & SIVnTH, Publishers, 


Sf Fulton Street, New York. 


twenty Selected Books 

H you want a good assortment of the best 
books by the best writers, try one or all of these. 
Uniform f2mo, elegant covers and clear type. 




Price, Ten Cents Each* 


In All Shades, .... 

A Living Eie, 

She's All the World to Me, 
Fighting Against Millions, 

Gladys Greye, ... 

The Yankee Champion, 

A Romance ot Two Worlds, 

Sappho, 

A Study in Scarlet, . 

The Matapan Affair, 

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not, 
The Bag of Diamonds, 

The Fighting Squadron, . h 
The Virginia Heiress, 

File No. 113, 

Elaine, 

Allan Quatermain, 

Queen Bess, .... 

The Light That Failed, 

The Senator’s Bride, 


Grant Allen 
Paul Bourget 
Hall Caine 
. Nicholas Carter 
. Bertha M. Clay 
Sylvanus Cobb, Jr. 
Marie Corelli 
Alphonse Daudet 
A. Conan Doyle 
Fortune Du Boisgobey 
Julia Edwards 
. Geo. Manville Fenn 
Clarke Fitcli, U. S. K 
May Agnes Fleming 
Emile Gaboriau 
Charles Garvice 
H. Rider Haggard 
Mrs. Georgie Sheldon 
Rudyard Kipling 
Alex. McVeigh Miller 


. Mrs. 

For sale by all newsdealers, or sent by mail, postpaid 
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STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 

81 Fu!ton Street, New York, 


. . . THE NOHELS OE . . , 


VICTOR HUGO. 




Han, of Iceland.— IOC. 

Toilers of the Sea.—ioc. 

The Hunchback of Notre Dame.—2^c. 
Ruy Bias.— IOC. 




HE PUBLISHERS beg to announce that they have 



1 now ready a handsome paper edition, with illumi- 
nated cover, of the most celebrated novels of this glorious 
writer. The printing and binding of these volumes are 
not unworthy of the translations, which are remarkable 
for the taste and sympathy with which the spirit of the 
original is preserved. They can be purchased from all 
booksellers, or will be sent, postage free, on receipt of 
price by the publishers. 


Prom “HAN, OF ICELAND.” 


“The clock struck ten. The condemned man left his prison, crossed 
the square, and calmly mounted the scaffold with a firm step. 1 wished 
to bind his hair, but he performed this last service for himself. ‘For a 
longtime,’ said he, ‘I have been my own valet.’ 1 was about to use the 
black bandage for his eyes, but he disdainfully declined it, evincing, 
however, no contempt toward myself. ... With one blow I 
shattered the shield of his armorial bearings, exclaiming, according to 
custom, ‘This is not done without good reason.’ This insult shook the 
count’s firmness; he turned pale, but hastened to say, ‘The king gave, 


the king can take away.’ He placed his head upon the block and turned 
his eyes to the East. I raised my axe with both hands,. Suddenly there 
came a cry.’' ... 


From '^THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME." 

** 'Not love him!" exclaimed the unhappy girl, at the same time 
clinging to the captain, and making him sit down by her. ‘Not love 
thee, my Phoebus! Naughty man to say so! Wouldst thou break my 
heart? I am thine. Of what use to me is the amulet! what need have 
I of a mother! to me thou art father and mother, since I love thee* 
Phoebus, my beloved Phoebus, look, look at me; thou wilt not put 
away from thee one who comes to place herself in thy hands! My soul, 
my life, my all. are thine. So I am but loved I shall be the proudest and 
the happiest of women. And when I am grown old and ugly, Phoebus, 
when I shall be no longer fit for thee to love, then permit me to be thy 
servant. Others shall then embroider scarfs for thee, but thou wilt let 
me clean thy boots and thy spurs, and brush thy uniform. Thou 
wilt grant me that indulgence, wilt thou not, my Phoebus? Meanwhile 
take me; let me belong to thee, and be the only object of thy love! 
We Egyptians want nothing else but air and love.”’ 


From “TOILERS OF THE SEA." 

“The devil-fish not only swims, it walks. It is partly fish, partly reptile. 
It crawls upon the bed of the sea. At these times, it makes use of its 
eight feelers, and creeps along in the fashion of a species of swift-moving 
caterpillar. 

“It has no blood, no bones, no flesh. It is soft and flabby; a skin with 
nothing inside. Its eight tentacles may be turned inside out like the 
fingers of a glove. 

“It has a single orifice in the center of its radii, which appears at first to 
be neither the vent nor the mouth. It is in fact, both one and the other. 
The orifice performs a double function. The entire creature is cold. 

“The jelly-fish of the Mediterranean is repulsive. Contact with that 
animated gelatinous substance which envelops the batner, in which the 
hands sink, and the nails scratch ineffectively; which can be torn without 
killing it, and which can be plucked off without entirely removing it — 
that fluid and yet tenacious creature which slips through the fingers, is 
disgusting; but no horror can equal the sudden apparition of the devil- 
fish, that Medusa with its eight serpents. 

“It is with the sucking apparatus that it attacks. The victim is oppressed 
by a vacuum drawing at numberless points; it is not a clawing or a biting, 
but an indescribable scarification. A tearing of the flesh is terrible, but 
less terrible than a sucking of the blood. Claws are harmless compared 
with the horrible action of these natural air-cups. The muscles swell, 
the fibers of the body are contorted, the skin cracks under the loathsome 
oppression, the blood spurts and mingles horribly with the lymph of the 
monster, which clings to its victim by innumerable hideous mouths. The 
hydra incorporates itself with the man ; the man becomes one with the 
hydra. The spectre lies upon you; the tiger can only devour you; the 
devil-fish, horrible, sucks your life-blood away. " 


STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK. 


cw Ctirt$ « « 

flli.1.4- *• (*< (« 

^ ^ ^ a good novel 

STREET & SMITH 

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Alexander Dumas. 

c/J selected number of this immortal 
. . . author's romances . . . 

Edmond Dantes. 

The Count of Monte Christo. 

The Three Musketeers. 

Twenty Years After. 

The Vicomte of Bragelonne. 
Louise de la Valliere. 

The Man in the Iron Mask. 


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in his delightful little essay on the heroes of fiction. 
The whole world has taken up the strain and carried it 
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Cyrano de Bergerac. 




By EDMOND ROSTAND. 


The greatest dramatic production of the day 
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A Companion Work to ^^Ben Hur^^ 


THE PRlNCEJf IE 
. . . HOUSE OF DAVID 

By Rev. Prof. J. H. Ingraham. 

*^1118 book is a narrative of tbe life and times 
* of Christ, presented in tbe form of a series 
of letters supposed to be written by a young 
Jewess, sojourning in Jerusalem at tbe time of 
tbe principal events. No work has ever been 
written which tells the story of the life and 
crucifixion of Jesus in a more interesting and 
pathetic manner than this book. 


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You can get many of the same titles in the 
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STREET & SMITH, Publishers, 


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Mrs. Georgia Sheldon 

Has to her credit the sale of more than a million copies 
of her fascinating, romantic novels. These stories 
positively cannot be bought under ^any other imprint. 
Their irresistible charm is traceable to the admixture of 
■;omantic fancy with scenes and events taken from life, 
with which page after page is adorned. It can be safelv 
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ludrey’s Recompense. 
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riiat Dowdyc 
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Thrice Wedded. 
Virgie's Tnheritance 




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Earl Wayne’s Nobility 
Geoffrey’s Victory. 
Lost, A Pearle. 

Max. 

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Stella Rosevelt 
A True Aristocrat. 
Wild OatSc 


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THE 



LITTLE.... 


MINISTER 


By J. M. BARRIE. 

(COPYRIGHT EDITION) 

ONE of the most famous books of modern times. This 
story has been dramatized, and is now being presented 
to large audiences throughout the United States. Of course 
you want to ead it. 

!T HAS NEVER BEFORE BBBN OFFERED FOR 

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A. CONAN DOYLE 


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“A startlingly realistic novel of the world of business in the metropolis of the 
universe, London. It is a fascinating book.” 

MICAH CLARKE. 

‘‘In this volume, A. Conan Doyle transports us to quite a different period of 
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heads. The author is equally at home here as he was in the delightful story of 
The White Company.” 


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opening chapter is read.” 

A STUDY IN SCARLET. 

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before, it is like renewing an old and loved acquaintance.” 

AT THE SIGN OF THE FOUR. 

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Che Gully of Bluemansdyke. 

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A Night Among the Nihilists. 

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IIEDAL LIBRARY No. 1 7 10 CENTS 



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WEDflL LIBRARY 


A weekly publication devoted to good literature. By subscription, 
St: oo per year July 8, 1899. Entered as second-class matter 
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NO. lY 





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